Lifestyle and happiness decisions

[VA AV8R]

I'm currently and FO at a regional airline, with little hope of upgrade anytime soon (yes we are all in the same boat). My background is mainly corporate with a couple of type ratings to boot. I hate being gone most of the time, especially for poor wages, and am really considereing going back to my corporate roots. I've been offered a job near my home flying a large piston twin and a single engine turboprop as PIC. I guess I am wondering how many of you have really debating these kinds of choices - I'm married, enjoy being home when I can, and my wife beleives I will not be happy commuting for a major airline job. The job I have been offered will solve some happiness issues but I am concerned it will really limit my potential for a better corporate job in the future based on the experience I would be getting. Anyone else out there have some good thoughts or faced similar career choices ?

 

[banned username 2]

I would say take the job that makes you most happy. If you think Corporate is where you belong then go for it. You will make many more connections at that Corporate job than you will in the terminal of an airport working for a Regional. Plus you never know, they may upgrade that piston twin to a King Air or something like that.

Typically Corporate operators like to hire guys with Corporate background. They know that these guys are already aware of what the job is like and will usually be a more sucessful candidate. Don't look at this job as your career job, look at it as an open doorway into a new field.

Good Luck!

 

[VA AV8R]

Thanks... I've always enjoyed reading your posts.

 

[English]

I guess I just don't see why the decision is so difficult. It seems your priorities are;

1) spending more time with your family,
2) making decent wages
3) building the qualifications for a better corporate position

All three priorities are met by taking the corporate job. The regional gig doesn't fulfill any of these priorities. The only thing the regional job will give you is more total time. Corporate operators want to see corporate experience, not 4000 hours of SIC part 121 time.

I'm wondering why you went to the airlines in the first place? Many of my friends will not leave the airlines now because of the perceived prestige of wearing the uniform, walking through the terminal, and being able to call themselves airline pilots. If this fits you as well, there's no point in going back to corporate, because you'll never get over that feeling, even if for better pay, better QOL, etc.

 

[VA AV8R]

I 'bit' the airline hook because I saw the stability that a 121 job could bring. Well, I know times are tough but the schedule was never that great (even before 9/11). Call me stupid, but I had to go see for myself what is was all about. I know work rules and pay at majors are better, but a lot of those guys aren't thrilled to commute and spend 1/2 their life away from loved ones either. At least I know what I want now, some people never do!

 

[banned username 2]

I 'bit' the airline hook because I saw the stability that a 121 job could bring. Well, I know times are tough but the schedule was never that great (even before 9/11). Call me stupid, but I had to go see for myself what is was all about. I know work rules and pay at majors are better, but a lot of those guys aren't thrilled to commute and spend 1/2 their life away from loved ones either. At least I know what I want now, some people never do!

Based on this, I would say "Go for it!"... You can now say you gave the airlines a try, it will help prevent you from walking through the rest of your life saying "what if?". You've tried both routes, pick the one you prefer, and move on with life. You and your family will be happier for it.