jpoindex

I am an aspiring pilot and like to pursue my life long dream as a professional pilot. However, I am 46 yrs old and have over 20 years experience in the IT industry. I only have a PPL and currently pursuing my Instrument, then I will obtain my Commerical following by multi-engine. My goal is to get all certificates/ratings this by the end of this year.

I can not see myself doing IT work for the next 18 years or until retirement. My mind and heart is set on my drive and motivation to become a professional pilot, you can say that I am going thru a career change or mid life crisis.

I am indecisive whether to give up my well paying job to become a First Officer/Co-Pilot making between 23k and 35k . I am unable live off of that salary for 1 to 5 yrs.

One option is to supplement the flying career income with part-time work as an IT Consultant or keep my full-time IT job and work as a part-time professional pilot. Does any pilots have a second job to supplement their income or have any insight to this situation?

USMCFLYR

jpoindex -

Yes - welcome to the world of leaving one well paying job for a much lower (at least initially) paying job; but one which money takes somewhat a backseat too because of our love of flying. At least job satisfaction is WAY UP THERE right?

I am still AD military so I can't tell you about secondary jobs right now but I can say that I know many of my peers hold a second job while starting the ariline career. Many of them instruct in simulators and quite a few continue to fly with the various reserves and finally - if married - the wife supports for awhile (ain't love grand?). Obviously it becomes a family decision at that point.

Good luck in your decision.

USMCFLYR

SPRINT100

I am in the same boat. Over 13 years in IT and making a decent salary, had me going back and forth for about 3 years if I wanted to make the plunge as an FO. Finally we slimmed down the expenses enough to where I felt comfortable that my family would survive without repos and bankruptcy on our credit.

Pilotpip

Personally, I'd stay with the money and the quality of life. Take some lessons, get your private, instruct on the side for fun. I don't know if I'd want to drag my family through the wringer so I can play jet driver for $20k per year.

I can't pay my bills right now at 26 and single. There's no way I'd be able to do it with a family.

__________________
Frank was RIGHT!

snopilot

What Pip said. The grass is always greener....
Become a CFI and instruct on the side. This would be ideal. I am struggling to pay my bills. Life on reserve isn't much fun, unless you have zero responsibilities outside of flying. The industry is in a constant state of flux. You will have more fun instructing and just as many stories as a line driver.
Think long and hard before you switch careers.
good luck.
pm me if you want specifics about my journey.
Adios
S

jpoindex

Just a little bit about me. I have a family (3 teens) with the youngest leaving the nest in 5 yrs. Not to mentioned I am 46 and in excellent health. Yes, I have thought about becoming a CFI to build hrs, by then hopefully my bills will be low enough to split my career.

Thanks, I like to hear from anyone with similar stories, esp frm snoip.

jpoindex

Are you working part-time CFI and working IT full-time?

Thanks,
Jeff