Is it worth it in the end??

[gringo]

It is my understanding that foreign chicks are gaga for pilots and will sacrifice everything in their lives just to be with one and bare babies; I could be wrong.

Not necessarily wrong, but not exactly right, either- having married a Brazillian (who's perfectly fluent in English), I speak with some authority on this.

First of all, I HIGHLY recommend marrying a girl from South America- they're raised differently than their American counterparts, which basically means they're much more nurturing.

But if you plan on marrying a girl, bringing her over to a foreign country, surround her with completely new things and remove her from her circle of friends and family, you have to understand that you're the ONLY LIFELINE she has- if you think she'll be comfortable or happy while you leave for a week or 2, leaving her completely alone, it simply won't last. The reality is, she'll probably find something "on the side". I've seen it done countless times- sure, happy marrages DO happen in the airlines when you transplant your signigficant other from another country, but it's even harder than you'd think.

As far as the "gaga" part, it's been my experience that those types of girls more often than not fall into the "gold digger" category- the really good ones know us for who we really are- (mostly a bunch of horny male sluts.)imp:

Anyway, just wanted to give a dose of reality.

For me, quitting the airlines for my wife was the best decision I could have made, and I thank god everyday that I did. I can't even imagine how depressed she would get if I was gone all the time, leaving her alone with the cats.

When you find the right one, it'll all make sense, no matter what your decision.

 

[fly4unclesam]

Interesting thread. I am 5 years short of reaching my 20 in the Air Force and am trying to decide whether to retire and go to the airlines or stay in and maximize my miltary retirement (although if I do that my flying days are over). Personally, I want to retire and begin an airline career. I would be interested in any advice from retired military folks who did retire at 20 and how they rate the lifestyle they had as a military aviator with what they have currently encounter at their companies.

Thanks

 

[gringo]

Do your 20, go Guard and do both.

Every mil pilot I've flown with who was happy did just that- I would have given my left nut to have that opportunity.

 

[Almerick07]

I got out of aviation just recently and could not be more excited about my decision. I just wish I would have devoted as much time and effort (nevermind money) to my new career and flew on the side for fun. Flying for me became miserable, I dreaded showing up to work and the last 2 weeks were absolute horrible. I loved flying, I loved traveling, I loved being gone from home. Doing it on a regular basis and most of all as a living made me hate it. Right now I am in the first stages of a career in financial services (which I am also passionate about) and can already see the future fortunes that are awaiting me on the horizon. I plan on building an airplane with some property and a grass strip in the back yard so I can fly for FUN. I am not married and dont have kids but plan on both in the next few years and could not imagine doing it as a pilot. My recommendation would be to fly for fun and make a living by other means. Just jump over to the regional and major section and listen to all the b!tching thats going on....is that where you want to be in a few years?

 

[pgcfii2002]

Yes, but be ready to give up half of everything you own when she divorces you.......