To the OP, I was exactly in your shoes in my aviation career. EXACTLY. 9 years I have spent as an airline pilot and the most money I've made in a single year was $38,000 gross. I've endured substantial financial trouble and went through a divorce as well.

I had been looking for a way out and just recently took a job with Flight Safety. My starting salary is more than double what I was making in the airlines. Today is my first day with Flight Safety and I have to admit I'm nervous. I also have to admit that this is all very bittersweet. I do love flying and I know I will miss those days, climbing through the deck to see a great sunset over the clouds. The Cat II ILS approaches in the fog at night. The crazy crosswinds where somehow you manage to pull off a greaser of a landing. The satisfaction of hearing a passenger thank you or say "Awesome job!". I'll miss the fun overnights with a good crew as well.

That being said, I will not ever come back to flying at the airlines. Never. I am getting married again soon and we have a child on the way due in February. I will no longer be selfish and chase metal at the sacrifice of my family. Won't do it.

Nobody can decide for you, you need to decide for yourself. But weigh the pros and cons. I plan to stay flying, I can actually afford to go fly for fun now. But at the end of the day, being an airline pilot is all about just flying a big piece of metal, and to me, its not worth the pay, the sacrifices and spending more than half of your life away from the only thing that matters in this one short life we have: family.

Goodluck to you.


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