Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
Recently people on this forum have asked why I don't throw everything in to re-starting an aviation career? I possibly have as much as 25 years of eligibility left as an airline pilot. The answer isn't as easy as "I am a quitter" or "don't really love flying". I would protest that I am not a quitter, but why complete in a game that is unwinnable?
As I look upon the airline landscape it is obvious to me that industrial climate change is at work. LCC's and Ultra LCC's are permanently gnawing away at the base of the few standing companies that attempt to treat their employees well. Seven years ago it seemed crazy to think of the legacies being brought to their knees but we all have watched as they have. 25 years is plenty of time to see even the kings of cargo and sultan of the southwest fall. In the end everyone will have to sink to the lowest common denominator.
The jobs will always be there and will be even easier to get, but who but the most ardent of aviation disciples would want to take on a flying career in the face of such miserable pay and working conditions? Even now the next generation is primed to become more the working enthusiast and less of a prideful career professional.
25 years is plenty of time to get a flying career off the ground but in the end everyone will be working for Allegiant. It seems to me that the only real winning strategy is to quit playing. Perhaps in 10 years or so when start ups are everywhere offering quick upgrades and 50K per year I will jump back in. Hopefully by then I will be financially independent and pay will be irrelevant. However to place ones total financial needs on an airline career is unwise at best.
I have already survived my career holocaust. It was and is not fun however much better to do it now while I have 25 years of time left to salvage my retirement and lifestyle. In the end I think it might be those who had their careers snuffed out early and moved on while still young enough to recover who will be the real lucky ones.
SkyHigh