Originally Posted by
love2av8
I've gotta say that I love it and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I think right now is a great time to get in cause movement is coming (barring some sort of crisis). So I say you give it a go and see where it goes. But don't judge the career by the training. Wait until you finish training and at least get thru IOE. Flying the line does not compare to flying in the sim at all. I know several people who just gave up during the sim portion because it is not what they were expecting. Sim is not a cakewalk and it is non-stop work and mostly emergencies which can be stressful. So if after getting to the line you decide it is not for you the. You can make a decision. But if you don't do it, it will continue to eat at you for years to come.
You sound a lot like me, where you are at a point in life where you figured out that money is okay but you want to do something that you love. If you can manage to compensate for the horrible starting salary, go for it! Or live with "what if" for the rest of your days. Good luck with whatever you decide!
This might make sense if you are an avowed bachelor who prefers a bohemian lifestyle. But if you have a family and responsibilities you have to take into account that this is not really a question of giving up good money for a little less money.
It's a question of giving up a viable lifestyle in exchange for abject poverty, instability, and sitting airport ready-reserve at 0500 on christmas morning.
If you have a traditional lifestyle and/or family to take care of you will need supplemental income for at least ten years, more likely 15 and that's if all goes well in your career.