Originally Posted by
Erdude32
Hey new guys, I spent the first 7 years at DAL commuting and attempting to juggle family life & work. All it accomplished was 6-8 quality days off a month at home and 1 Greenslip the entire time. A year ago I gave up and moved. Best decision in my life. Feeling very good about turning down my 3rd & 4th Greenslip for the month. Have averaged 105 hours a month this year and have had more time at home than ever. Spent the last 4 days with family & the next 6 doing nothing but catching up on honey do lists & a bit if boating. More important things on life than the almighty dollar. We only go around on this planet once (that we know of).
Do yourselves & your families a favor. Move to your base as soon as you can.
Ditto. After a year I figured I spent about 3 or 4 days a month commuting. A four day trip on the 727 panel then was worth about $1500. So, I decided to move to Atlanta.
For the past 16 years, I have basically been able to pursue anything that Delta has to offer that my seniority will hold. From here you can be an instructor, work in management, be junior and sit reserve; be senior and pick up anything that falls into the pot; and never bother checking the weather or travelnet.
I personally choose to sit on widebody reserve and see how long I can grow my beard before I get called out. The beauty is that everybody wants something different. Whatever you want at Delta, however, is easier and more available at a hub. (Junior hubs are obviously better yet)
I understand that many people can't move because of family or other important reasons and I support initiatives that make the lives of commuters easier. But, if you're a new hire and have a choice, make the effort sooner rather than later. You'll most likely be glad you did.