Originally Posted by
Flightsoffusion
Nothing against the younger guys/gals but was curious how the older folks are holding up working for the regionals. How long with the airline? Do you commute? Any that are just doing it to get out of the house? If so, are you enjoying it? Days wear you out? For 15 years I had a job flying 5-6 hours a day and I knew it kicked my butt at times. It was in a helicopter so maybe in an airliner it is a little more tolerable? Chime in from the trenches old men! LOL! Thanks much in advance for the info and safe flights!
This guy you mention is a "hobbyist", he doesn't need the job, he isn't trying to raise a family, doesn't need to be at home very much, and certainly doesn't need the money. So for him, this job is a hobby he can walk away from at any time. So of course, he's always happy.
The 5 plus legs a day can really kick your behind, although commuting is the real killer. If you have anything over 2 hours, it makes the job a lot more tiring. The 10 hr overnights, have improved things remarkably from the 8 hr days, which meant 5 hrs sleep in many cases. With ten hrs, you still have to be disciplined, but you can get 8 hrs sleep. The best way to stay energetic is to not get involved in the daily screw-ups and in-competencies, let the clowns do their show, you stay relaxed and your cortisol levels stay down, you don't get os tired.