Originally Posted by finedavefine

To those of you fortunate enough to be in the pool, congratulations, because you might have won the jackpot. That said, I'll again suggest that each and every seniority number that you allow to pass you by, will result in a significant reduction in future earnings, and therefore, your retirement pension. Jhjr and stkshkr, I don't believe that anyone here is telling you what you should do. What they are doing is offering you suggestions as to the prudent (at least in their mind) course of action you might consider or reconsider.

Personally I'd consider everyone's opinion, then make my choice, understanding the ramifications of my decision. If you do that, then all's good. However, I'd spend little time considering opinions that focused only on what might or could happen, or how you could fail. The naysayers here, especially those lumping ANC and the foreign bases into the same pile, are offering you a worst-case scenario.

Addressing ANC only: Yes, it's harder to commute to ANC than it is to drive to work in Memphis. Yes, there's always a possibility that you might be excessed back to Memphis (which is where you want to be anyway). Yes, there's always a chance that you might find yourself in financial trouble, but if one lives within his or her means, you should not have a problem, even on first years' pay, considering that first year pay is still above the per capita personal income of all people living in the U.S. Yes, there's always a chance that this job can (and does) cause marital issues, however, if you've been flying a while, you understand that issue already. Besides, your spouse should be a part of your decision-making process, so she should be entering this deal with her eyes wide open.

One final thought: do what makes you feel good, but realize that sitting on the sideline has consequences, which are long-term and lasting. Understand that being in the pool is not the same as being employed by FedEx, and although they have offered you a job, until you show up and receive both your seniority number as well as your employee ID card, you have not yet arrived.

Again, congratulations. Hope to see you on the line.