Originally Posted by FlyerJosh
How does being miserable at home because you miss flying (and probably spreading the misery to your family as a result), hurt your family? If you have an understanding family (like mine is), then go for it.
Like I've pointed out before, flying is for some folks and not for others. If you and your family feel that you can handle it, by all means, return to the line.
If you're worried about what any potential employer might think, don't. It's perfectly normal to leave and then want to return. Be honest. Tell them you wanted to be closer to home, but you miss flying, so you're trying to balance the two of them. I know more than a few people who have returned to flying after furloughs or leaving for family/personal reasons.
Starting over as a new FO at the regionals is unfair to a family who is use to eating and having a father around. There are many impulses that we all have throughout our lives. Most we don't act on. As a father we enter an agreement that we will work in the best interest if our families. Often that means squashing ridiculous selfish wants for the benifit of the family.
As you mentioned being on furlough or quiting due to a forced transfer is diffrent than voluntarily leaving a flying job to pursue a career outside of aviation. It is a career death sentence in the minds of HR people. If he left the airlines once before the odds are strong that he will do it again. As we all know things haven't gotten any easier at the regionals. A desperate regional might take him on but a major wouldn't touch him. To quit a flying job without having another better one in line is right up there with having a few DUI's, it is the end of the line.
SKyHigh