Originally Posted by
M20EPilot
Before I got into college I was talking ERAU with my dad... he told me to at least get an associate's in engineering at the state school, and then transfer. He is not a pilot but was smart enough to know I should have a backup plan should flying not work out.
Well, I went on and got a bachelor's at the state school, and then the allure of the nice salary drew me into the computer work. I never really did get off on it very much, and my mistake was sticking around so long (if I had my ducks in a row 6+ yrs ago, I could have probably got on in the last hiring boom)... but really its best to live life without regrets. I got to be able to have an airplane for a few years and really enjoy GA!
Sounds familiar. My $0.02 into this discussion is to make sure what you're really feeling is the need and desire for an aviation career and not simply a getwaway from your boredom. If you don't see the distinction then I'd say you should take the extra time.
An aviation career entails tremendous financial and personal sacrifice and, unfortunately, that's difficult to quantify or appreciate when you're immersed in the excitement of saying "take this job and shove it" and flying off to a "St. Exupery adventure".
Remember, every job eventually settles into a routine. This routine is obviously different for each career track but, a routine nonetheless.
Are you planning on having a family some day? Is your wife willing and able to work (and be the predominant breadwinner during that period)? Will your family be able to handle constant absences (always more difficult than it sounds)? Will you?
Now, I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't do it. If the cautionary angles were the only ones to consider, nobody would ever try anything new. Frankly, it sounds like your mind is made up and you're looking for some encouragement.
Save up as much as you can right now. Sell the Mooney and bank it. Stay away from any flying debt AND maintain your engineering contacts while staying up-to-date on the industry.
It's cheap insurance.
Good luck.