For those who are outside looking in,
GK has wisely slowed growth and evaluating our future. If one is a short term buyer of stocks then this can be a disappointment. Just as it could be viewed by those awaiting their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th interview attempt or waiting in the poll as being bad news.
Would one rather be delayed in coming here for sound business reasons and never being furloughed in one's career or be brought on and then furloughed later because the company was continuing down a path that is no longer wise but refuses to admit changes have occurred....many other airlines were slow to respond to those changes pre-9/11 and post 9/11 and employees suffered.
Job security for those presently employed is #1 and that is a wise approach to take. That being said the Company will not turn its back on those in the pool as those in the 73-74xxx employee numbers 3-5 years ago will tell you. It was hard for them and none of them wish that on anyone but the good news is SWA will weather this and other challenges because of leadership....look around you at the leadership in other carriers.
1. UAL - Tilton - trying to find a buyer at all costs
2. DAL - Grienstein out in Aug, CFO or COO or possibly other coming into to run an airline that has major challenges with debt that is still significant, less than before but still sizeable
3. AA - Arpey - a ticking timebomb with employee groups that are very upset
4. NWA - whoever is there is hated by the employees, trust appears to be difficult to find
5. CAL - appears to be in good shape externally, if there are problems they appear to be minor'
The above isn't to imply SWA is better than anyone else....they have their challenges, we have ours, I hope the industry is the home for many more good stories than bad experiences for folks in the future and SWA is not immude to the pitfalls and failures found by others....I'm comfortable with our future and even though you may not be able to join us as quickly as you may have thought, don't get discouraged, this cycle has occurred before and will again....I just like our chances of coming through it all with positive hiring numbers, pluses on the profit side and no furloughs or employee strife along the way than others.
SWA has a had a transition plan for new leadership since April 01 when new changes were first announced....all home grown leaders and that is good for us....doesn't mean it can't go wrong but "trust and good will" goes along way around here because it hasn't been violated.
Hang in there to those who feel the tide has past, there will still be hiring regardless of Age 60 changes, why can't it be you? Do your best, come prepared, stay positive and current and hang in there....as long as you're a good employee for your current employer, stay current, continue to look for innovative ways to improve your own personal and professional skills, there is no reason why you can't get to SWA, maybe not as soon as you would like but for those hired after 2 years in the pool, you'll hear few complaints from them I think 3-5 years later....life is good.
Many are still still out there doing something that makes you happy and brings enjoyment to you...for those who view it as just a job, that's fine I guess but could I encourage you to consider doing something that makes you happy instead....life is too short to be disappointed in wasting years of your life for just a paycheck.
Get off the forum and enjoy family and friends...just a little drivel while standing by in MCI....cheers,
