Originally Posted by
ClickClickBoom
What matters is family and friends, the dog too. Thinking that your stuff is all that and a whole lot more, just because you make more money or fly a bigger plane is a fools quest, there will always be someone flying a bigger plane or making more money. Those that fly the bigger, more money, flag are just trying to justify their flawed position/personalities.
If you are asking this question, you need more help than the interwebs can provide. Maybe FaceMuncher can whip you up a kale smoothie, bro!
I worked for a decent commuter for eight years, living in base for the vast majority of that time frame. I'd judge my QOL at that time as "good".
I left for what was arguably one of the crappiest majors last year and have never looked back, except for the pay. Went from about $100k to $45k that first year, although the truth is my QOL didn't suffer in the least. Still put money in the bank. Second year I'm on track for $115k, which is plenty. To make that at my commuter I had to hustle, open time trips, working lots of high credit trips etc. Here I just show up and do one leg.
What I lost in money I gained in QOL and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Instead of working the requisite 4 four-days a month at my commuter, I spent one month on reserve in a crashpad, and then the rest as a long call sitting at home. Worked 6-8 days a month, longest stretch off was 23 during a normal month, no vacation or leave used. I feel like I've been on a year long vacation, and haven't called out sick even once. It's unbelievable but I actually feel rested now, all the time.
Once we move to base life will get even better. I really can't wait.
For those looking to move on, this guys attitude is one major reason I look back at my time at the commuters and shake my head. The nice thing about the majors is the guys in the left seat have been doing it for decades. There are very few inferiority complexes here. They treat everyone including the F/A's with respect. It's eye opening and a breath of fresh air. Kind of like stepping back in time to the way things "used to be" (to be fair, most are 60+!). I really do enjoy flying with them, and haven't ever been "lectured" like what happens at the commuters.