Originally Posted by
Engineer413
The experience was really good and they did not seem like sales people, they were completely honest with me in which I liked.
How do you know they didn't lie to you?
so well then why are you one? I know regulations and politics have changed but in the end you are still flying for a living. I know the hours, the pay rate, the challenge of finding jobs, ect.
I am one because I didn't know
then what I know
now. I don't regret becoming a pilot. Flying an airplane for a living is an amazing way to make ends meet, but sometimes I have been lucky to do that. Other times I haven't even been able to do that. I have seen several friends and co-workers go into bankruptcy after furloughs and layoffs. There is no commensurate transition for pilots in the 121/135 world after a layoff either. You lose everything you have gained by being the best employee you could be. It means NOTHING. That's maddening. 10,000 hours of flight time, 44 years old and suddenly you are working at a regional for $19,000 on rsv while commuting? I have seen this happen to people!
This industry is about luck, maybe meeting the right couple of buddies, and not getting a DUI. That's about it. That is what is frustrating.
Don't
count on
ever making a good wage. You just can't. Yes, it's fun, sometimes. I flew with a guy a couple weeks ago, and final approach into KNEW he said, "Isn't this job the most awesome job ever?!" I calmly said, "It barely pays my rent for a one bedroom apartment."