withthatsaid182

Well, I've been at Eagle for only a short time but am thinking otherwise. I live in NH but have been displaced to the new JFK base. I am the lowest guy stateside on the jet. Just like everyone else I have bills to pay and the job is obviously not paying well. I try to fly as much as I can but being low I never get open trips I proffer for and all the BOS open time has been blocked for the month so OT isn't an option. I'm thinking its time to get into something else for a few years. I did get a degree in ATC so that is an option. I'm going to stick it out to see if we go to JFK and to see if any more flying opens up down there.

Anyone else in this position?

I'm sure the critics would feel I'm jumping ship early and don't have what it takes but I go to work every day and see the results of people who want to leave but never do, and they just make themselves and those around them miserable...I don't want be that guy.

flynavyj

Not really in the same boat, but close to it. There are some things that will get you down on this job, and some things that really make going to work worthwhile.

There is a very real point though when paying the bills may come before having a job with a cool title. I've never stopped loving airplanes, and will probably always have a love of flying. But the reward vs. sacrifice can make it difficult to continue to pursue a career that has a somewhat thankless attitude. Best of luck in your choice.

weirdbiz

I'm out in a bit. It's really just a crapbag job, isn't it? It feels good to say that.

paxhauler85

Did someone tell you this was going to be easy?

Not trying to be a jerk, but you reap what you sow. Work hard, deal with crap, try to enjoy yourself and make the best of it.

If you are truly unhappy, then quit. Don't quit just because you feel sorry for yourself, or you see your career moving slower than you thought it would.

Good luck to you.

Ottopilot

There's a reason they call it "work". I spent 5 years instructing, 5 years doing corporate, and 9 doing regional before going to a major. How long do you expect it to take? I wouldn't change this job. You have to decide for yourself.

Salukipilot4590

I also dont want to come off like a jerk either but wait until you get furloughed. Wait until you dont have a choice but not fly an airplane. Then you'll wish you never thought about hanging up the headset.

Maybe you might just need to take a LOA for a month or something...see what the world is like NOT in a cockpit.

I dont know...maybe its the drugs talking but right now I would give almost anything to get back into a E145...

JayHub

no names here but it sounds like you got that L.A. Fever!!!!

SaltyDog

Gotta do what makes you happy. Just realize if you quit Eagle, may find it tough to find another regional job that is even close to desirable. Thus, shutting out any real opportunity for something up the line at a major. If interested in corporate, fractional, would try to get that job before quitting.
I was in your position once as most of us have. Spent 3 years as a most junior F/O in IAH at 14K a year in the early 90's (COEX). However, when opportunities started to happen, I was able to make the move that others gave up by quitting. Many tried and did come back in the flying world, but were dissappointed with the loss of opportunities that they gave up sitting out the downturn.
Good luck in your choice.

HercDriver130

I sat out for 12 years.... made alot of money in those years.... but happy...no freaking way.... since I got back in to the flying game my wife says I am a better person to be around. NOW... thats just me.... YMMV.

It is tough business... my first time in the 121 world I spent 31 months on RSV... got base displaced 5 times and that was 1992-1994,,,,,

It is a demanding, grueling, unforgiving profession. For me... I know its what I was meant to do. Some find the downside overwhelming, or unjustifiable. All I know is this.... I enjoy my job. And i CAN NOT say that about the business I owned for the previous 12 years. Is it Nirvana? NO, but it fits for me.

Good luck in whatever you decide and the future.

de727ups

This job isn't for everybody. You gotta weigh the positives and negatives and make the call. I don't see why anyone would be critical. If you leave, it's just one more seat open for someone else who's life situation puts them happily in the seat.

To each his own....

The people that bother me are the ones who feel the job somehow cheated them and come on here to remind us daily how bad our career choice was. Take responsibility for the calls you make. It's a cyclical business and the state of the career today might not be the state of the career in five years. Not everyone is cut out to play the game. But that doesn't make the game itself bad....