Originally Posted by
dbcooper1313
Unless you enjoy ridiculously low pay, a toxic work environment, inept management , and zero respect, stay away. There is very little upside. I flew for them for 5+ years and looking back, I see myself sitting all day in a budget fleabag motel, walking to Walmart (no car provided at this particular base) for something frozen the heat in the motel microwave, and everyday feeling like I was waisting my career away.
As with every airline, YMMV. Empire, in my experience, has been decent pay (left seat, I wouldn't ever work here on FO pay), great work environment, management seems to be doing their jobs (I don't really know, I'm not in the office), and no one has disrespected me. The upside for anyone looking to come here is QOL. I came here for exactly that and that's exactly what I've got. My stress level is pretty close to zero. I'm currently sitting in a suite (microwave, fridge, couch, lazy boy, etc) in a mid-range hotel, as we do every night of the week. I can walk to the gas station or take the crew car (not that I need to since I eat/plan accordingly before coming to work). This ain't the place to build time or stack paper, but it works if you have a family and actually want to be part of their lives. Choose your base wisely, come jumpseat on the route before you interview/apply to see if it's what you really want.
I'm happy to be here, and this ain't my first rodeo. That said, career progression is going to force me back into the rat race sooner or later. Gotta keep hustling.
PM for more specifics, I'm here to help.