Okay, I swear that this comes up more often than a 'Should I go to... / Benefits of.../ ANR for CR7... / ERAU Worth It? thread...

Is being a profesional aviator a vocation? Yes, the same way being a physician is a 'vocation,' and the same way a Juris Doctor is a 'vocation.' Per Webster: "A vocation is a person's employment or main occupation, esp. regarded as particularly worthy and requiring great dedication." So by very definition we are all practicing a vocation, and I do not find it appropriate to bring down others chosen careers, in other fields, by putting a derogatory tone on a very complimentary term.

I am a large proponent to a 4 year college degree, not just because I have one, but any kind - Aviation, Online, University, anything. A close friend whom works for a fortune 100 company in recruiting, does not care about the degree, and can even override the required degree when hiring, but can not override having the degree. They are concerned with your individual experience, and how it satisfies the job description. They want too see that in four years, you learned how to think outside the box, how to work with others, how you acted when defeated, also how you acted when you won. They want to see how you matured when living on your own, they want to see that you involved yourself in activities outside of the coursework to see whom you really are.

Here are a few good examples. A paralegal is a great job, requires hard work, and a firm knowledge of various cases, and a knowledge of how and why the law is what it is. Could a paralegal pass the bar - probably, then why cant they do so and practice? Law school! This is to prove that you have the formal education, and were taught the requirements to practice law, and become licensed. Another good example is a medical assistant, once again, could they pass the RN practical, probably again, but they do not have the proof that they where taught all requirements of becoming a registered nurse. Is a degree going to help me in the flare when landing, no. The same way an RN is not required when administering a flew vaccine. But what about when an RN saves a patient going into cardiac arrest, or when the Number 2 engine on a DC10 explodes rendering all 3 hydraulic systems useless. I want the graduate whom learned how to think critically, and was challenged regularly by professors, and how to challenge the established norms.

But what about doctors, after they graduate medical school and are in residency working 100+ hour weeks, and making just 40K a year. They have all the responsibility with out the 6 figure salary nor the country club membership. Or the public defender, whom spends their 'vocation' representing people whom otherwise would be at the mercy of the gavel. I guarantee these lawyers do not wear Brooks Brothers suit's, in corner offices that over look D Street.

The BA 2011 advert, 'To fly, To Serve' has been brought up many times on this board as giving goose bumps to many members, and those crews being the epitome of professionals, well guess what!?! Their job description is the same as mine! You can not tell me they are professionals, and I am not one.

Unfortunately the industry has changed for the worse here in the states in terms of benefits and compensation, but if you desire the figurative Brooks Brother suit, or the country club membership, there are great opportunities in Asia, and the Middle East. If you do not want to uproot your family and are content with the department store suit, or golfing at a public track, great, then be grateful you have any job. Studies prove that how you think of your self, is the same as others perceive you, which is why it is so important to be passonate about everything you do, and to think of yourself as a professional!

Cheers!