Should I stay or should I go?

[airtoair]

I'm posting a concern as to handling recent changes in the industry. I am planning on taking a "Hiatus" from aviation to complete my degree and would like to get some input from others perhaps in similar situations.

I was flying in a part 135 operation - Learjet F.O. and figure I can complete my degree in Education by next summer. Presently I'm looking at the state of affairs in aviation and am considering becoming certified to teach secondary ed, as a backup and maybe as a career if things don't change soon.

Like many others, I don't see many good things happening any time soon, and am not willing to "prostitute" myself to stay flying. I have been doing this for approx. 13 years in one capacity or another and have the big??? - is this going to be worth it?

Looking for insight -

 

[TurboS7]

Stick with the flying and finish up the degree by "correspondence" independant study or whatever they call it. Once you quit it is real hard to start up again, especially in this market.

 

[350DRIVER]

I have been thinking about doing the same thing as of late however I am still concerned that "if" I get out of it then how easy would it be to get back into it and get back to where I am at now.?! It appears to be somewhat difficult to predict what will happen to the industry three, four, or even five years from now so with that said it is a good question and I am still trying to weigh ALL options at the present time and convince myself on what to do . I would only hope that "previous" experience in a logbook would help one get back into it BUT it seems to be a big gamble at best

3 5 0

 

[bobbysamd]

College or vo-tech aviation teaching

Finish your degree but see if you can get a state teaching credential to teach aviation subjects. Several years ago, I obtained a Colorado vocational teaching credential on the basis of my degree, CFI and experience. The credential qualified me to instruct in state colleges. Doing that might be the best of all worlds. Try first by calling your state department of higher education.

Best of luck with your plans.

 

[Mr. Irrelevant]

airtoair,


It looks like everyone can understand your concerns and teaching is probably an economy proof profession. Meaning, poor economical conditions won't lead to your losing your job. However, I'd caution anyone who thinks they should get out of aviation after so much was already invested simply because the economy is dragging now. Although the flows of many other industries may not rise and fall to the same degree aviation does, all U.S. industry is affected. I know plenty of people who have been laid off for a period of time or are still out of work a year later. These are people with the 4 year degree or a Master's, a solid ten years experience behind them, and they can't find work.

At my company, all projects have been put on hold for the last year. Our ITD and human resources dept. have been cut tremendously. Other than a position like the one you describe there are slim pickings out there and big time competition for the scraps available.

When the economy is this stagnant, other industries are not much different than aviation. Except there are no flowbacks! Moving back to being a junior analyst right now sure would s-u-c-k!!!

Good luck in your future flying and your decision.


Mr. I.

 

[airludy]

I have been thinking the same thing as you. Im applying to the military. This is something I have always wanted to do, especially with the industry today. If I dont get accepted I may find another form of work. Working some crap flying job for 20,000$ a year is not how I want to be living at 30 years old. Heck, a job in the computer field starts at about 60,000$ a year. I love flying and all, but I also have to think about my future. I think out of all the pilots that want to fly for a major airline only about 20% make it. That was before Sept 11. If you have your CFI you can always instruct part-time to stay involved in aviation. With a good paying job, even buy your own airplane. I'm not telling you to give up, but you need to think about quality of life and job stability.

PS- When I was 20 years old learning to fly, living with my parents, I could have cared less flying for food. Now as I get older economic reality sets in.

 

[bobbysamd]

Don't trust anyone over 30

Actually, Flic1, from one desk jockey to another, I think you can go back. I base my opinion on your age.

I hear you about the money, or lack thereof. That was one reason I felt I had to leave, apart from apparent age discrimination. I needed a job that paid some money. If you got your CFI back and eased back into it part-time, and could find a way to build a little multi, I think that you can pick up where you left off. Now, if you were ten or even five years older than you are, I'd recommend that you think twice about going back. But, at age 28, you're a comparative spring chicken.

Good luck with whatever you decide.