Jesse,
You sound just like I was some 20 years ago - bright eyed and bushy-tailed! And there's nothing wrong with that. By the way, the "glamour" days were back in the 50s and 60s. Today, it is anything but glamorous. Also, don't always expect the money. You MIGHT get lucky and then you might not.
Do as much research/homework as you can. Go into it with yr eyes FULLY opened, talk to people, read, do whatever you need to do.
In my experience, the job has its pet peeves but then, any job has.
The biggest thing you need to take into consideration is the highly cyclical nature of the business. Yes, it does always get better but be prepared emotionally and finacially for the downturns. Also, choose your company VERY carefully. Don't always take the first offer unless of course, it's the only offer! If you can possibly help it, never work for a start-up. Check the credentials of the CEO, upper management. If you find any red flags then run as far as you can. Don't let your heart lead over your head.
And if you have a job...then you really should not complain at all.
At the last count, there were approximately 10,000 qualified and experienced pilots in the US currently pounding the pavement. Virtually all of them lost their jobs through no fault of their own and some are in dire straits. Many have left the industry all together and it had nothing to do with committment, motivation or the dream but everything to do with survival, family, self-respect and keeping one's sanity in this crazy business. Bitter? No...just very disappointed and sad on how such a talent pool can be wasted.
All professional pilots have to make many sacrifices to get where they are but there is no such thing as a job for life, loyalty, those kind of things. They, too, fell by the wayside a long time ago. There is no other comparable profession where you pay your dues so much and have no real control on your employment longevity. Sad, but true. How many lawyers or doctors for example, do you know that have been laid off? That have to start over every 4-5 years at the bottom of the seniority list. That have regular pay cuts and eroded benefits. Not many I suspect and they probably get paid quite a bit more than us.
Although Air Inc and similar "mention" the furloughs and the economy, I have yet to read or listen to anyone who can tell it like it really is in a downturn. The reason is that harsh reality is neither pretty nor positive and we are taught to be always positive, the day will come. It is extremely difficult to keep smiling when you have had one adversity after another with no light at the end of the tunnel and you are, once again, waiting for that day and waiting and waiting....I think you get the point. Exactly how long should you wait before you have to make a REAL decision to continue or not? I've never heard Kit Darby mention that. Unfortunately what sells is good news and good prospects, not bad. I think it is VITAL that you are fully aware of the bad side. Only then can you make an informative decision. Sugar-coating is not necessary.
Would I do it again? I don't know, maybe. It's kind of like asking am I going to live to a ripe old age? I sure would like to think so and do anything within my power to achieve that. But ultimately it is out of my hands. I certainly understand the phrase "I have it in my blood" or "I can't think of anything I would rather do". That part is true and there is nothing wrong with having a dream. Just make sure, you make the RIGHT choices and have a back-up plan.
Oh yeah and I echo another poster's advice: start as young as you can. Never mind the reasons, you'l figure it out, just DO IT!!!!
Good luck to all those that choose to go down this road - sooner or later you will probably need it!
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And May Your God Go With You
