Originally Posted by
rcfd13
Lots of people get through their private and/or instrument and decide they don't want to fly for a career. It's best to wait until you have the ratings before making that decision. Always give yourself options.
The biggest mistake I made in my career was not leaving myself any options. If my career as a pilot doesn't work out I'll probably be screwed. Don't do that to yourself.
This is what I'm doing now, and highly recommend it. I have a degree in a completely different industry, and am currently working in that industry. I've worked in my current "job title" for 7 years, but am now looking at other options (may reasons why...)
I'm still working on my private license, and am planning on going for my instrument after that. I would like to become commercial, but I'm keeping my options open on either staying in my industry or changing. No matter what then, I will at least have a pilot's license so I can go flying on weekends and vacation.
Heck, if you don't go commercial, at least get your private pilots license (with instrument ratings) so you can have some fun on your time off.
I've read a lot of post on this site, and different others that recommend you get a "second degree" in another field. I recommend it. Just throwing it out there... from a student pilot's prospective who is looking to (maybe) go commercial one day.