Kid's perspective on furlough!

[Steeler Fan]

After football practice last year, my son and I had the following conversation:

My son: "Dad, when I grow up, I want to be a furloughed airline pilot."

Me: "OK...what exactly do you mean by that?"

My son: "Well, last year, you were on reserve, so everytime your cell phone rang, you had to go to the airport. THIS year, when the cell phone rings, it's usually Mom, wondering how practice is going. All I know is that I don't have to worry about you leaving practice. That's why I want to be a Furloughed Airline Pilot."

****This really puts things in perspective for me.*****
(and I think I'll need to teach my kids a little about how money actually makes it into the our bank account)

 

[KC-10 Driver]

My humorous furlough story-

Shortly after I got furloughed about 20 months ago, my 5 year old son's class had a book sale. I went to the school secretary to pay the $6 for the books he had bought, and discovered I had no bills in my wallet. So, I ran to my car and got $6 in change.

As I was counting out nickels, dimes and quarters to the secretary, my son put his hand on my knee and apologetically explained to the secretary, "My dad lost his job."

I guess my son did understood how we got our money!

 

[Slug]

Paying bills

If it weren't for the bills pilling up, being a furloughed airline pilot was the best job I ever had.

 

[check six]

My Son's thoughts

I was flying 135 jets and my 2 boys were 6 months and 3 years old.

I quit at the time because the wife was working and the homefront was chaos. I have been working as an engineer for about 3 years now.

I recently drove by the local field and asked my 6 year old son if he wanted me to fly again. He said, "Forget it, you'll never be home."

When I was growing up, an NWA Captain lived next door. I thought this guy walked on water. Probably why I pursued flying. Now my kid says he doesn't care if I'm a pilot or not, he justs want to hang out with me. So I'm a weekend warrior.

As opposed to others, I don't have the excuse that I need to fly for the money.

I guess all pilots with family deal with this issue, but **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**, it burns me that I'm not flying jets anymore.

Check Six

 

[Gulfstream 200]

good decision.

A happy family is a heck of a lot better than a jet job.

A happy family will be there next month, unlike the jet job

 

[750driver]

good decision.

A happy family is a heck of a lot better than a jet job.

A happy family will be there next month, unlike the jet job

Well said G200 ... you are a wise man

 

[na265]

This is not an easy life style with a family. I am corporate and fly many day trips 2-3 days a week. My 3 1/2 yr old son knows what it means when I pull a uniform out and get ready to fly. He tells me that he doesn't want me to go to work, it tears my heart out. I guess this is the sacrfice not only we make, but our families also. Would I change what I do? I don't know. This is the only thing I ever wanted to do. Well, I tried to be a Pro Motorcrosser, I wasn't fast enough! I am happy that I have a job and I am able to provide for my family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are on furlough. I hope you get back to work soon.

 

[md8pilot]

My five year old son likes to tell people that I was "fairloaded." Unfortunately, most people in St. Louis know what he is talking about.

 

[Lymond]

I was furloughed from a loser (twice) and they're still a loser. It's like being married then separated. If the differences are irreconcilable, take the divorce and move on. As my colleague (ex-CAL) recently noted, "Life's too short to be miserable."

Sage words. There's a world of great flying jobs out there. Being recalled in the hazy, nebulous future only to miss yet more weekends and holidays as a reserve first officer -- flying disgusting trips nobody else wanted...is for younger people than I. I flew for a major for 14 years as engineer, f/o and captain. I have never been happier than away from that dysfunctional place. Of course, it makes a great deal of difference who you're separated from -- and where you land.

Lymond,

Ex-US Airways