M40Shooter

I interviewed and got accepted into the pool at UPS in late fall. It's been my lifelong dream to fly for UPS since I was young because of family ties. If they have a class and I get a call, I will have to make a decision rather quickly.

I currently have a good job that compensates well, but there is no retirement other than matching 401k. My current job has pros and cons as all jobs do. It is a pure vacation job, but I have no real schedule and I am away from home on average of 150-180 avg days a year. (This bothers me as I have young children)

The pros are perks such as limited night flying, good equipment, mostly domestic single leg trips, nice hotels, rental cars, nice meals, etc....... Cons, no real schedule, time away from home, holiday travel, etc...

UPS would be a long term move for me, possibility of retirement, more upside pay in my later years, having hard days off, and knowing what those days off will be. I am in my late 30's so if I make the move it will be a now or never type decision if they were to call me with a class.

I am really struggling with this decision because I have never flown for the airlines and I just don't know if I am ready for this kind of change.

The question would be is it worth leaving my current job and a well established corporate career for making $39k the first year and being at the bottom for an indeterminate amount of time. Also the night flying, extended time away from home, furlough possibility, work environment, no new contract, possibility of strike, etc....

I watched my father in the early 90's-mid 2000's back when life was very good at UPS progress quickly to senior FO and then Captain. Unfortunately, he is not here anymore to help me with this decision. I realize this is not the 90's and 2000's anymore so the unknown is high for me. Maybe some current UPSers can chime in with some opinions /guidance based on the company and industry outlook.

Thanks...