Jobs Ideas While On Furlough

[Furlough Boy]

I have been on furlough for over a year now and just can not get a stable, full time job.

I have a degree in Business but companies keep rejecting me because they feel that I will leave them as soon as I get a chance to fly again. I have done some substitute teaching, but it is unstable and without benefits.

I am pretty desperate for ideas. Any suggestions would really be appreciated.

 

[AWACoff]

How about stripping?


Or maybe flying jumpers...seriously though, stripping pays a lot better.

 

[Clownpilot]

Answer

You could start shooting people then demand the government pay you $10 million.


NO....I guess that doesn't work.

 

[Mallard]

Try substitute teaching.

 

[Iflyamouse]

Interview tips

I'm a terrible liar so I struggled with this last year when I was just furloughed and looking for jobs. I was finally hired (non-airline), and here's how I avoided the subject.

When asked if I would return to the airlines my answer would contain some of the following points. Some may be applicable to you, some may not.

1- This is the second time I've been furloughed (true) ... I need something more stable.

2- I have a wife and kids ... I have missed Birthdays, Anniversaries, Thanksgiving, and Christmas for the last 4 years (true) I'm looking forward to being home for the Holidays this year.

3- I'm gone half the month or more ... I'm tired of spending that much time away from friends and family. A 9-5 job would be a welcome change.

4- Even if airlines start hiring again, I will be the junior FO, commuting to reserve ... poor schedule, low pay yadda yadda yadda

5- I think a career at (interviewers company) would be a great thing for me and my family: stable, more time at home, opportunity for advancement etc.

6- The airline industry is in the tank, and will be for the next several years. It's not fair to myself or my family to wait around for it to get better. I need something now! I can always buy my own plane or rent one to satisfy my flying desires.

Did I answer the question ... not exactly. But I painted a picture that I'm tired of the airline industry, ready for change, willing to try something new.

What's my real answer ... I can't wait to go back!!! I look everyday to see what's new in the industry to see if there's something right for me. But they don't have to know that. They are looking for the "perfect employee" in the interview ... you have to be that for your 30 minute interview. I know the guy I interviewed with acted all concerned about my commitment to their company during the interview, but since then I've found out that he checks Monster.com everyday looking for something better.

Lastly, Network ... Network ... Network!!! All my most successful interviews came through networking through friends and family.

 

[Captain X]

Try running. As far away from the airline industry as possible.

 

[Av8ter]

Yeah I agree, the ONLY way to get a flying job of any kind probably is through proper networking ans schmoozing. I work part time for a 121 airline in operations, and I come across the usual jump seat wanna be every night. After I find out who they work for I start getting to know them and find out more about their company. It's a win win, I have been on two interviews because of that.

I also work part time for a 135 and keep current flying 414's, but that job I got through good ole flightinfo.com

So bottom line, try to network anyway you can, and keep reading this board, it's invaluable, I'm on it twice a day.

Good luck!

And by the way, A REAL JOB sucks! ya gotta fly!

Av8ter

 

[The Penguin]

Adult movie star! Its a lot of fun and a good way to meet women, or dudes (which ever floats your boat).

Ok, seriously though. I thought about checking around at small (or any sized) aviation universities to see if they needed someone to teach ground schools, classes, or anything related to aviation. Most people can't run from flying, so why bother. What kind of Business Degree to do you have? Any specialized training?

 

[charley varrick]

I would find a company that has room for advancement, but also has entry-level positions. You are gonna have to take the entry-level position in order to get your foot in the door, and prove yourself. If you are educated, responsible and dependable, you will stand head and shoulders above the usual candidates. Once inside, work harder than everyone else, and network, network, network. Opportunities will avail themselves.

I took an entry-level job (which, you will probably find, is more lucrative than any first-year regional pay) and within six months was promoted and making more than I was as a Captain at a regional. Of course, being the knuckle-head that I am, I'm bailing this job and going back to flying for less. Sometimes, I think we pilots are addicts, plain and simple.

Good luck!

 

[bobbysamd]

Alternative employment

Paralegal school. No kidding. I, too, have a business degree, and the combination of the two worked for me. I make decent money. I work regular (but long) hours without worry of sitting reserve or being junior-manned. I use my skills. I make a contribution and help people. I appreciate Captain X's comment, above. Just the same, I'd rather being flying or be involved in aviation in some capacity.

Having said these things, with your background and quals you should be desirable in many companies in many businesses. Not that many companies are aviation-savvy and realize that you could go back any time. Moreover, "any time" is a way off.

You could try to find work teaching ground school or sim at a local college that has a flight program. You have the quals with your CFI and your B.S.B.A. You might need to obtain a state vocational teaching credential. Check with your state Department of Education. I got mine in Colorado eight years ago on the basis of my education, CFI, and instrucitng experience.

Good luck with your efforts.

 

[RonMele]

I'm not on furlough but am part of the ACA Swim Team. I am 42 years old and drawing a "pension" from my 24 years serving the country in the USAF. Nope..didn't fly (ran out of birthdays before I became an officer) but managed to get an ATP, CFIIMEI and all that and was recently hired into the pool at ACA.

To keep from growing fat eating cookies all day I took a job at the FBO I was instructing at. They want out of the instruction/rental business but let me stay on to do "lineboy" work. I am the only guy on the airport with any college (I have a Master of Arts Degree in Management) and I'm driving a freakin' fuel truck...and I love it!

Point here is to take what you can...the lineboy job keeps me at the airport where I've picked up some instrument refresher work, basic instruction and a brunette. What a country!

 

[Marker Man]

From the "older" guys I've talked to who have been furloughed in the past, they recommended that I did something away from the airlines. They said that of the guys who flew and the guys who got business or non-aviation jobs while on furlough, that the guys who didn't fly were much better off now. Reason being was that many of them learned new skills, started their own business, or were able to continue working in that field part time when they went back to the airlines and now have MUCH more to show for it.

When asked if those guys who didn't fly were too "rusty" to return, he said no. The airlines just gave them some extra training and they got thru just fine.

So don't worry about not getting a flying job out there. No need to go backwards in life to a 20K/year commuter. Get a good 9-5 job with bennies and enjoy the nights and weekends with the family!

Remember, most of the best off (financially) pilots you have flown with in the past got that way while on furlough with an airline.

MM

 

[WyoHerkdriver]

Hi,
I was furloughed in March from AA and I did not think for one second about trying to get on with a commuter airline and having to commute for a lousy $15 to $20 per flight hour. I put up with that several years ago in order to gain experience and flight time in order to move on to a major airline. I now have a seniority number with AA (not that it will mean much for the next 5-7 years) so there is really no incentive to work for a regional airline again.
I am now an Accountant enjoying a reasonable schedule and making much more money than I could have made as an FO at any regional airline. I am also looking forward to spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with the family for the first time in seven years. I am not saying I don't miss flying, but I really think some time away from the industry will do me some good. It is a personal decision for each and every furloughed pilot, but for me, I am looking to take advantage of my time while furloughed to spend time with the family and do something other than fly until I get recalled (if I get recalled). Best of luck to all of us that are furloughed

 

[Freight Dog]

If I were furloughed, I'd have absolutely no problem hunting down Part 135 freight jobs flying anything single engine or twin. I'm in the pool at my #1 career choice airline, so naturally I worry about getting furloughed. However, if furloughed, I'd have absolutely no problems going back a few steps and flying Part 135 cargo again. Sure, the hours may be lousy, the pay may be crappy, but I'd still have a flying job. I'd have every bank holiday off which is just about any holiday you can think of, and yep, I'd still be flying.

Some people get into aviation for the money at the end of the road. Some people just simply love flying too much to let a furlough stop them. I'm one of the latter. Lance, Seneca, C-210, Chieftain, C-402, if I'm furloughed, bring them on and watch me have the biggest sh*t-eating grin on my face when I crank one of those babies!!

To borrow NBA's slogan: I LOVE THIS GAME!

 

[charley varrick]

Freight Dog wrote:
Some people get into aviation for the money at the end of the road. Some people just simply love flying too much to let a furlough stop them.

And some people have a family to support and can't bear to make their kids suffer yet another move coupled with poverty wages just so Daddy or Mommy can do what they love.

Being single, or married to a fabulously wealthy spouse, definitely has its merits in aviation. But I'd value a wife and kids who love me over a flying job anyday.

 

[Freight Dog]

Well Charley, I'll tell you this much. If you are a furloughee from regionals, then you'll definitely be able to live on a crappy Part 135 outfit's pay if one is geographically convenient. You've done it before, right? Besides, most Part 135 outfits pay roughly the same if not more than a 1st year regional FO pay. My old 135 job did.

If you are a major airline furloughee, I'm sure you could find a job flying checks at night and still make a decent wage. Or you could find a Caravan job and those pay roughly what you were making as a 1st year FO at a major. Same thing with Air Ambulance outfits. I know several of them who are still hiring and they pay around 40k to start flying C-421's and C-414's. So on and so forth...

Bottom line... where there's a will there's a way. If you want a flying job that can support you and the family while you are furloughed, you'll find it if you want it bad enough, family or no family.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

Jobs

While Im not furloughed, I have decided to enter the military to fly. I learned this evening that I got in. I was flying 135 and instructing before I quit. I was sick of the low pay and long hours, I hated it although I loved the flying. Im so pumped about flying for the military I cant even explain it, the military has the real aviators who carry out a real world missions. I CFIed and made less than 20K a year working a min of 50 hours per week.

In the mil I will make no less than $37,890.73 my 1st year. Beat that in the Civy world.

 

[bobbysamd]

Hey B-J-J . . .

Congratulations! Good luck with your training.

 

[trainerjet]

Re: Jobs

the military has the real aviators who carry out a real world missions.

In the mil I will make no less than $37,890.73 my 1st year. Beat that in the Civy world.

Well, I guess the rest of us "non-real aviators" will keep on flying our "un-real world missions" anyway. Otherwise the traveling public would be up the proverbial sh!t creek.

And my company, as well as many others, has first year pay in excess of $37,830.73.

Nonetheless, congratulations on becoming a real aviator.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

Hey thanks Bobby, I know you paid your dues many years ago and built lots of dual given. I will be paying my dues while Im in. Im pumped. Of course I like working out kicking a$$ and staying in shape so the military should be good for me.

Thanks Trainerjet, I will enjoy being a real aviator Have fun drivimg around a bus in the sky full of people, I saw after flying part 135 that wasnt my cup of tea. Anyways enjoy the money while I serve our country.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

Oh I for got to say that you can add 4.1% to the figure I gave above, everyone in the mil is getting a raise.

 

[Clownpilot]

Re: Jobs

Congratulations, which branch are you entering?

While Im not furloughed, I have decided to enter the military to fly. I learned this evening that I got in.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

ClownPilot, Im joining the Army, it gave me the best chance of selection and I need to get in to start earning a paycheck to supoort my wife and our new baby. I really havent worked in 6 months and neither has my wife. It still might be 4 or 5 months from now until I get my 1st paycheck. I might get a part time job to help bring in a little money. Maybe I could go be a stunt pilot with Avbug in the movies.

 

[bobbysamd]

Helicopters

You'll be flying rotor intially? A little different than fixed-wing. You'll have a great time, and can always try for the C-12s later.

 

[phishn@daves]

I agree with the above post's!

Try something new, ie. away from flying for a while. You may find that you enjoy something else almost as much.

Different schedule, better pay, more home time etc., and possibly a better lifestyle.

I was furloughed twice in the past year and a half, for me, however I used to be a chef at a really great restaurant in town, so the first time I was furloughed I went back to that.

The second time, I worked with my wifes step father spreading organic pesticides and fertilizers on lawns. I was also flying a turbo mallard part-time.

The nice thing was that I was making close to $65,000, while on furlough as opposed to $19,000.

The way things have been going in this industry, I had to think twice about accepting my recall, I was very comfortable doing the lawn thing ( I got into great shape too) and flying part time ( 4 hrs/week), and I was paying off alot of bills.

My point is, try and make as much money as you can right now even if you are working two jobs, or one job that you really like.
Hey try Real Estate, you can look online for courses in your area, the class takes about a week for the initial license.

Good Luck to you, keep us posted on what you find!

 

[Clownpilot]

Ah, the joys of employment.

Almost did the same thing myself when I was 20.

High School to flight school they used to call it.

But, they gave me a class date so far down the road that in the meantime the Navy came along. I do remember that you go to basic then WOFT training in Fort Rucker AL. If I remember correctly you could get a commission if you had a degree then flight school or become a Warrant Officer. Is that still the deal? Anyhow, nice to see someone getting employed instead of layed off.

ClownPilot, Im joining the Army, it gave me the best chance of selection and I need to get in to start earning a paycheck to supoort my wife and our new baby. I really havent worked in 6 months and neither has my wife. It still might be 4 or 5 months from now until I get my 1st paycheck. I might get a part time job to help bring in a little money. Maybe I could go be a stunt pilot with Avbug in the movies.

 

[Furlough Boy]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply to this thread. I have been very encouraged by hearing from everyone that has spent time on furlough.

Right now, I am applying to the USAF. I would have to be a Navigator because of my eyesight but at least I would be in the air with some stability and a paycheck.

Please keep the options coming. There are no guarantees when it comes to flying.

 

[Flight_Line]

Now that is degrading. A navigator? Granted, I know nothing abut AF navigators but, you hold some very valuable instructor ratings. Although that sounds like something the government would do, take someone with the ratings and make no use of them. Just out of curiosity, how long of a commitment do you have to make to the USAF? Does any one know anything about flying in the Coast Guard or Air National Guard?