SWA or stay put?

[Wolf King]

I realize it may be a touchy subject, but out of the relatively large group of poolies who have been waterlogged for years in some cases there must be some who have a tough decision to make shortly (by leaving a good job), once classes resume.

SWA is a great company, no doubt, but there are some points worth bringing up. Of course I am not working for SWA and no expert, so may be speaking from shaky ground.

It seems to me that the industry continues to morph downward in pay and conditions in order for companies to make it. With the pressure from other LCC's, isn't it logical that SWA conditions may slide in order to prosper?

I know the "RJ rumor" is just that, but is it crazy to think it may be a factor at some point? I know the SWA recipe for success has worked well thus far......

There seems no doubt that SWA is the hot ticket job, but could taking it now be a bit like buying the stock that has skyrocketed (The whole "past history is no guarantee of future performance" disclaimer)? I know that rapid expansion is on the horizon, but the pool has sit stagnant for quite some time, and classes have continued to be pushed back historically.

Herb has done an amazing job, and I'm sure future management will carry on, but times always change.

I'm not looking for flames from you SWA guys out there defending your company, just a discussion directed at guys/gals who are about to leave a good deal and staple themselves to the bottom of a seniority list.

 

[N1atEcon]

There are a lot of good jobs out there. SWA being one of them. The question is what do you want to do for the rest of your life? I was in the top twenty % at Net Jets. Why did i leave you ask? Because i was 34 and i didn't want to do that forever. I weighed the risk after 9/11 and left a good, secure job for another good secure job. And now I can say I am doing something I want do till age 60.

 

[Cyclone]

Wolf King

What's with the negative waves Moriarty?

Eastern
Pan Am
TWA
US Air
United (in 2000 lots of folks really wanted in that door)
add SWA to the list?

interesting

 

[SWAdude]

For one, you don't get ahead unless you take risks. You will really never know unless you take the risk. I also believe that you can't say no to a job that hasn't said yes to you.

I left American in 94, not furloughed, to work for SWA. I did my homework and thought I would enjoy my work better at SWA than American. Big risk?? You bet!!! But I felt with 30 years left in a career it was worth the risk. When I left AA I had the same concerns. I felt I proabably will be seeing the tail end of the great expansion but the work atmosphere was worth the change personally. I emphasize the word "personally". It was a change I thought best for me. Not for anyone but me. I was not happy at AA and didn't want to live my life for a job I worked so hard for and wasn't happy with.

It didn't come without some harsh criticism. Some here thought I was nuts. Others were pleased. And a few who had other experiences understood. So how has it panned out??

I had set very low expectaions for what I was going to get out of this job. I was only hoping to be more satisfied with the job itself. Was I in for a surprise.

The people here are as advertised. This is an incredibly happy place to work. Most are so respectful to each other and make an effort to enjoy each others company. From the gate agents, ops agents, mechanics, flight attendants, ground personnel and yes...even the pilots get along with each other like we are all friends. A far cry from what my experience at AA was. And that atmosphere is what I was important to me.

Its not perfect at SWA. Nor wil it ever be. There will always be issues to complain about. Contracts to be negotiated. Some people that you work with that won't meet the standard. Some days will be tough to get through. But I can't imagine a better place for me to be.

Remember I had thought I got on the tail end of this growth machine? I was a five year upgrade and with our raises in the next couple of years will be earning close to 200 grand a year working no more than 14 days a month. Who would have thought. I know things can change in this business very quickly. But this is a well oiled machine that obviously has the might to tweak proffits in the largest, quickest downturn in business history.

The bottom line? Pending any unforseen events, there is much more to come.

SWAdude

 

[flying@swa]

ditto what SWAdude sez....

After 7 months of being here, I have had more fun that I could have ever hoped for!

Yes, sometimes the work is challenging, 7 legs & 10+ hour duty days ARE busy. But the great part is that everyone works hard to get it done, makes it fun, and enjoys the process.

I have only flown with one captain who b1tched and moaned about his life @ SWA. He was obviously going to be that way regardless of where he was..... just an unhappy dude in general.

I would say that if you are looking for a pilot job to boost your ego, "I R pilot, check me out", you may not want to be at SWA. This is a place where you are expected to do whatever it takes to get the job done safely, efficiently, and play well with others. A "working man's/woman's airline" if you will..... I personally like the flying, I think it's fun!

This is my first, and last airline job. I had an outstanding corporate career, flying awesome equipment for great people, making WAY more $$$ than I am getting this year @ SWA. However, this is a much better job for ME due to the SCHEDULE, the benefits, the history and (hopefully) the future of this company.

No career choice is one size fits all. Whomever you are, do your homework, figure out what is best for you & your family, then go for it! If it turns out that you made a bad choice, QUIT! Go do something else that makes you happy.

Life is SHORT boys & girls..... if you live a life that ticks you off every day, trust me, it will be even shorter!!

Have a great day! Flyin'

 

[Whitestoneclimb]

Great post!