Soliciting advice on a hypothetical choice.

[Fred Garvin]

I, like most of us here, have numerous "lines in the water" in an attempt to secure the right job. As I look at the companies I am pursuing, I realize just how different they are from one another. That said, I am hoping to tap into THE HANGAR'S extensive industry experience by asking for feedback to the following hypothetical question:

If given the option to choose between say, a UPS, JetBlue and a very strong Corporate outfit (new equipment but with an "on call" schedule), what would be the wisest professional decision?
Age: late 30's
Concerns: Blending quality of life (schedule, type of flying) with ability to make descent money (hourly pay + retirement, etc.) in this turbulent industry. Trying to find that stable company that will be here 25 years from now.
Commute: From the Midwest/Chicago area.

Thanks upfront for your input.
Happy holidays and best of luck in 2005!

 

[slowto250]

You Kiddin' ???

Trick question right ? If not, UPS would be the "no-brainer" here. You would be hauling mostly just boxes, though. Of money to your bank.

P.S. You still wearin' that truss ?

 

[semperfido]

over time everything changes. there is no person that can give you an answer. follow your passion.

 

[Fred Garvin]

P.S. You still wearin' that truss ?

Well, ya' know, I'm up to 14 of dees god-darn truss things dees days....but da' ladies still go for me...... FRED GARVIN....male prostitute!

"Trick question, right?"
Well, not exactly. I agree with you and my initial reaction would be to definitely go UPS (or FEDEX). But when you start to look closely at the advantages of the other potential options, they have their own pull.
For instance, a strong corporate gig pays well up front and if it gets you a typerating on a GV/IV or a Global Express, you'll have a certain kind of insurance (i.e. the types/experience make you marketable in the corporate aviation world if your particular company pulls the plug on its flight department.) With those kind of typeratings, you are in high demand in the corporate aviation world (starting with a company making 6 figures and not $26/hr, like everytime you start over at your typical airline). In addition, you could even moonlight with those typeratings, doing contract work (daily rate = $800-$1200/day). Also, you can work after age 60, if need be.
With Jetblue, you could argue you are getting on with a relatively young company that will pay big dividends to those who got on early in the game (as with the SWA guys who are now retired millionaires).
I am playing a bit of devils advocate to the seemingly obvious "no brainer" decision to go with UPS (or a FEDEX). Just trying to flush out all the issues.
Thanks for the input, "slow to 250"


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"Where would Tina Turner be if she rolled over and said HIT ME AGAIN IKE AND PUT SOME STANK ON IT!!!???"

 

[slowto250]

Yeah But......

Fred,
You have obviously thought things out pretty thoroughly. Semper Fi also makes a good point about the uncertainties in our bidness too. However, I really believe the big cargo ops. have to get the nod for QOL, money, and scarce though it may be, job security. It seems to me that the freighters have figured a way to remain profitable, while the legacy guys bleed more and more red ink. Just my sideline observation. By the way, I am Gulfstream typed and current, and wondered where they are paying those kinds of day rates ? Either I am underpaid, or need to relocate !? Good Hunting.....

 

[Fred Garvin]

Thanks a lot for your advice "SemperFido" and "slo-to-250", much appreciated.

I was a hired by a once "sure thing/no brainer" that is now in bankruptsy with thousands of furloughees. I want to think the major freight companies will continue to avoid the landmines that brought the legacy carriers to their knees. I think they are a safe bet, but without a crystal ball, who knows? Trying to make the best decision that avoids the old adage: "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!"
Although that may be impossible any way you cut it in the course of anyone's aviation career.
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"Where would Tina Turner be if she rolled over and said HIT ME AGAIN IKE AND PUT SOME STANK ON IT!!!???"