So how are you supplementing your income?

[filejw]

I just read about a guy running a medical marijuana place in Calif that needs good help... sounds like fun...

 

[M.86]

To the original poster, here's a serious answer to your question. Obviously you weren't born part of the "lucky sperm club" and you probably have no one lined up to marry that's already rich, so you might want to try what I did; I learned how to trade the markets.

It will take some time, discipline and, study on your part, but if you're willing to do that, you will find that you will actually be well-served for the rest of your life, no matter how long you continue to fly.

I, like so many others in this industry since Orville & Wilbur, have had my up & downs too. And I just decided that while I may love flying as much as the next guy or gal, I'm just not willing to sacrifice my QOL just to be out pushing a piece of metal. I have, as they say, "flip the script". In other words, flying itself has become a "secondary" source of income. Trading is a business and I treat it as such, as should you. A few of the best things I love about doing it: No employees (and those hassles), I can do it sitting on the couch at home or sitting on the beach in Cancun, I start & stop when I want to, all I need is a computer and a internet connection, ect; get the picture?! YOU are in control. How much you can make is up to you and again, once you've learned it, you'll have the knowledge and comfort of knowing that no matter what happens in your flying career, you will always be able to make it. It's a nice feeling to know if a cutback, layoff, furlough comes your way, you can say "So what!" and not worry about how you're going to pay your bills.

Go to a book store (or library), find a book on the ABC's of investing, PICK an area and master it, study it, practice it, open a demo account at a brokerage and play with the funny money. When you can make a profit around 7 out of 10 trades consistently, then put in a SMALL amount of money into a real account and see if you can double it and go from there. Don't get greedy!!!! Slow and steady is the name of the game.

I hope my two cents worth has given you some tactical, as well as strategic ideas. If you've had enough fortitude and discipline to become a professional pilot, then you certainly have the right stuff to learn something that will take care of you the rest of your life. There are plenty of people out there right now who are riding out this recession comfortably because they have NOT allowed anyone else to control their destiny. It's all up to you. As I'm fond of saying, "I've signed the front of the paycheck and I've signed the back; signing the front is much better"

Good luck in your career and hope it all works out for you.

 

[nismo611]

That is really classy (sarcasm abounds). No one in the Unemployment Office/Welfare cares what you are wearing, every one else will just assume you are security guard, postal worker, etc. To whom were they making a point? Unless a pilot has a non-working spouse with four kids, no pilot at Eagle makes a small enough amount of money to qualify for food stamps, unless the pilot drops all of their trips. Give us all a break!

nobody would believe for a second you were a postal worker! Those guys make tons more than most pilots and are far more respected even by large german shepherds and other canines. Screw this I want to be a dentist. spend all day starring down your hygienists blouse while you try to decide if you want a ferrari or a boat and finally after struggling with all that you decide on a porsche and a boat.

 

[Dornier 335]

Why don't you shop at Wal-Mart more often? You can also enjoy the sight of your friendly co-shoppers .

 

[piav8r]

Some days, badge, gun, and a bulletproof vest...

Some days, drivin' tractor for a local farmer...

 

[airchristyle]

I spin at clubs, weddings and private parties on my days off ( sometimes on my reserve days). You get to party and get paid ( and if you're single, you might get laid).

 

[jumppilot1000]

I met a guy on the hotel van the other day that is a courier. He is paid to carry a box, envelope, or some other small item internationally. He is given a huge budget to purchase a ticket and get there however he wants. Said he makes $500 a day. To ride in the back of the plane. Says a lot about the pay for our career.

 

[Northern Lights]

Why don't you shop at Wal-Mart more often? You can also enjoy the sight of your friendly co-shoppers .

Wal-Mart Wedding

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/?p=3210

 

[Missed Approach]

I play poker. I can play online or at nearby casinos on overnights. On off days I play at local casinos or go to Las Vegas. It takes a lot of study to become a high level player, but this year I will make more from poker than flying.

 

[wms]

I chose real estate to supplement my airline career. Now I'm looking for something to supplement my real estate career.

 

[habubuaza]

I met a guy on the hotel van the other day that is a courier. He is paid to carry a box, envelope, or some other small item internationally. He is given a huge budget to purchase a ticket and get there however he wants. Said he makes $500 a day. To ride in the back of the plane. Says a lot about the pay for our career.

Too many airliners.net folks do it for free so they can ride on neat new airplanes.

 

[Jet_Dreamer]

i do BFR's at a local airport and i donate to the sperm bank.

 

[goodpilotithink]

well.I instruct for a Toronto based company in the crj200-700-900​