Originally Posted by
RogAir
." When you get hired. Curtail the orders and go to training. After you're done with IOE, take mil leave for 2-3 years. "
Please consider not doing this. A company hires you, invests a lot of money in getting you trained and line ready, and then you leave? Even the most avid company-hater would say that's uncool; plus I would make damn sure I didn't step on it while on probation on return. Additionally, you are possibly screwing over the junior guys in your squadron when they apply to that airline. "Oh, you're from the 123rd? We know how those guys roll....next"
I would normally agree with you. However, the past 10 years of airline history have shown the airlines don't give a rat's butt about you or I. CAL furloughed pilots when many of us offered to take mil leave to keep others in a job. They said it wouldn't count against the numbers. Most airlines will do what's good for their bottom line. I have a responsibility to do the same for mine. I do an excellent job at the airline when I'm there and have never had an issue. After all, it's a business. For them and me.
I understand where you are coming from. But getting buddies jobs at my airline are not my primary concern when it comes to managing my own career and finances. Getting an industry leading contract, feeding my family, and getting paid what I'm worth are. I'm on a 4 year mil leave. If CAL paid more, I wouldn't be here. Simple as that. I'm assuming you don't work for UAL. Am I correct? If you did, your opinion might be different.