Originally Posted by MoonShot

IMO, when everyone else is running for the door, that's when you want to jump in. Starting an airline career now could turn out pretty good. Yes, times are uncertain right now, but fairly shortly, the bad times are going to pass and we will be looking at BIG TIME retirements from the top of the industry which will move everyone up the ladder. Starting now puts you in position to take advantage when things start improving vs. the people that wait to get in once things look good and have to play catch up.

The airline lifestyle isn't for everyone and I'm certainly not trying to talk you into it if it doesn't work for you, but I really enjoy it. Talk to the folks that have the "better jobs" in the industry and they will likely tell you that they traveled the same roads and experienced the same fears (to an extent) that you are having now.

Even as a commuter to reserve, I average 17-18 days at home a month. For me, the scheduling flexibility is the best thing about this job. That's not to say that you won't be missing events that you wanted to be at but with a little seniority you can work around most of the big ones.

There are still some good jobs left in the airline world (not what they were, but still better than 90% of the other jobs the general population have). You might have to start at a less desirable carrier at first, but that's how it goes. Enjoy the journey and good luck.