Final Thoughts
O.K., probably not final, but it sounds good.
We can go on and on about who is better, night vs day, this vs that, and so forth. Just like any decision one makes in life over just about anything, look at the pros and cons and choose accordingly. Nobody knows if they made the right decision in aviation until the day they retire and even then it can be iffy.
Do you like daytime flying, people, and airline terminals? Then go fly people.
Do you like night flying, cans instead of seats, and sorts? Then fly cargo.
I have many friends on both sides of the fence, and each is fairly happy with their decisions. If a person says that night flying isn't for them and they would rather fly people, then that is cool. It's what they want and it makes them happy. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have more respect for somebody who says they don't like flying the backside of the clock than someone who does fly all night and spends every minute complaining about it. A person is neither greater nor weaker an aviator for choosing one over the other.
Base your decision on these factors:
Quality of life opportunities (i.e., schedules)
Domiciles
Job security
Salary and benefits (to include retirement options)
Company growth
Company financials
Historical growth and finance of the company (including furlough trends)
Upgrade times
Other items to look at, but not necessarily deal breakers:
Can I commute?
Varitey of flying (domestic vs international)
Variety of airframes
Finally, if you are fortunate to have a choice between two companies, talk to pilots who are actually employed by both and get the pros and cons right from the horse's mouth.
I have yet to meet a SWA pilot that I did not enjoy meeting. Every one of them that I have had the opportunity to meet over the past few years have been some of the most professional and friendly people I have ever met. I would venture to say that most would be happy to talk to you about the SWA lifestyle.
The same goes for the guys here at Brown. If you want to know what life is like working in our shoes, talk to some of us directly. Most of us too would be very happy to answer some of your questions.
After you have talked to people from both companies, then list out the facts and see which one fits your mold the best. The one that best suits your lifestyle is the one you should choose.
There are some on this board who work for neither company, are clueless about both, but think they know enough to say something. Not to say they aren't entitled to an opinion, but I wouldn't pay much attention to them. You wouldn't contact a stock broker to ask about how to rewire your house, so if you want to know about night freight, talk to the Brown and Purple dudes.
Hope this helps.
