Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
Since being out of aviation I have been shocked to discover what the outside world earns for seemingly low rung jobs. Police, fire and UPS delivery men earn a regional captains wage after only a few years. My wife's uncle retired from delivering for UPS for 20 years and is very well off because of it. Last week a family friend accepted a position with a local auto dealership to be a finance specialist. His base is 80K and has the ability to hit 120k through commissions.
In America today we are blessed with a robust and generous university system. More than at any other time it is easy for anyone to get a college degree. Universities, community colleges and technical schools compete for students. All are interested in securing better pay and working conditions, but are they?
When one takes a look at the world of word the results seem puzzling. How is it that a ten year regional airline captain barely bests a UPS delivery guy? Why does a meth addicted construction worker net 43K per year in my area?
The reason is that increasingly people will trade pay and benefits for an interesting sounding job. Currently those with a little ambition and focus look to college for what they think will lead them to a better life and job. Occupations that require some skill and dedication in the blue collar sector are being passed up by people who think the rainbow lies with a higher education.
As the years pass certified plumbers, electricians and telecommunications workers will earn more than airline pilots and lower rung business executives. Hey wait a minute, they already do earn more.
SkyHigh
Plumbers, electricians etc. all start out as apprentices for 5 years, making far less. I fail to see your point. Yes you have earning POTENTIAL in the fields you are saying, but you have that same potential as an airline pilot.
For every car salesman making 80k, I'll find you a used car schmo who is feasting on Raman tonight. EVERY field has a range of incomes. I want to find something that has a higher POTENTIAL income and QOL than what I'm doing now, and that I'd enjoy doing. I think a pilot is a good fit because I enjoy it, and I've been able to "beat the odds" through hard work and networking before.