Don't focus on what you can't do, focus on what you can. Or to put it another way, argue for your limitations and they will become yours.
I fly with a lot of pilots who tell me "This is all I've ever done, I don't know how to do anything else." To them I say this:
As airline pilots, so many skills and abilities become so ingrained in our nature over time, we forget we have them. Let me remind you about some of the skills and abilities you have that you may not realize...
You have the ability to multitask.
You have the ability to follow complicated written procedures precisely.
You have the ability to work in a team environment.
You have the ability to evaluate situations and make good decisions based on the information you've collected.
You have demonstrated a level of high responsibility for a multi million dollar piece of equipment.
You have the ability to work under pressure.
You have the ability to remain professional when dealing with the public.
You have the ability to represent your employer in a positive manner when the customer's perception of your employer is poor.
You have the ability to lead when necessary, and follow when appropriate.
You can dress in a professional manner.
You understand what "professionalism" means...at least most of us.
You have a demonstrated ability to function at a high level of autonomy in a complex environment, yet the still know when to recognize and utilize help when it is required.
YOU HAVE A DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS.
I put that in caps because it is critical in the business world. A wise Comair pilot once shared with me the following:
"One is paid commensurate with one's ability to solve problems."
These are some of the skills and abilities we use every day as airline pilots. As a business owner, I can tell you without reservation that these skills have value in the business world.
For those of us who are young, and starting out with a lot of debt, business ownership may not be an option at this point, but for those who are in a stronger financial position may benefit from looking at owning a business. There are headaches, to be sure, but there are rewards as well.
Early in my career as an airline pilot I used to ask "What kind of job does everyone do when they're not flying?" There's not a lot of good options for part time work with the profession we are employed in because of the schedules. Owning your own business gives you control of the schedule, and gives you the opportunity to work when you have time available.
For those who have an interest in owning a business, but don't really know where to start, check
this out. Someday perhaps I'll be worthy of the PM function, and I'd be happy to answer questions for those who are interested in business ownership.
And no, I'm talking about real business ownership...not get rich quick, sign up with me and you'll be successful schemes. I have nothing to sell.
In summary...don't sell yourself short. Though Comair actively works to devalue the skills and abilities you bring to their operation, those skills have tremendous value nonetheless.
How many other employers out there can claim to have a workforce of 1477 scattered throughout the U.S. directly responsible to only eight supervisors?
You are an asset that has value outside the airline industry.