Got a pirep from a new hire today at FedEx checking on his friend's application. Apparently, John Ryder expressed some frustration at folks adjusting their availability dates. I'm not trying to be anyone's dad here, or the constant complainer, but for those of you trying to "game" the system leaning forward here is what I recommend.

1. Look at your separation date/retirement date
2. Back up that date with whatever terminal leave you can get
3. Add any permissive TDY you can expect to get from your current unit
4. Add comp days if those can be included (if you still even have these...my last "comp" days were circa 1998)
5. Put THAT date down.

I know its unsettling to drop papers and not have a job waiting. I'm sorry. I don't make the rules. Worst case is you can get snapped up by a regional, but you'll get a flying job. Its much better than the alternative.

Bottom line--if you "fudge" those dates you may get a sharp bite in the ass when a company calls you because they just doubled class sizes (FedEx) or had someone fall out and slot opened (saw this at UAL and Delta). Lying about your date may get your offer rescinded. It will certainly get you off on the wrong foot with the company if they hire you anyway. It will also make it harder for your squadron mates and will keep you from sponsoring or helping someone else.

TPN, Emerald Coast, RST, Mil2ATP, and a host of other folks want you to get hired. We are all here to help you. We cannot do anything, however, when you frag yourself with your own stupidity and greed. I'm not here to carry any HR person's water, but the fact is if you burn them by lying and get caught you are left pretty much naked, all alone, hoping for mercy. They are getting ****ed, and someone is going to get crushed. Don't let that be you. There is enough hiring going on that missing a class or two won't shatter your career earning potential or lock you out of a good opportunity. Most of you have been doing things the right way for years. Please don't change that just because you are changing jobs.