Originally Posted by
PRS Guitars
Wow, didn't realize I'd strike such a nerve. To be honest, I debated even posting the comment as it was sort of a half joke and a way to vent. Should of just let it pass...
Anyway, on a daily basis, I actually love this job. I'm happier here than I ever was at the Air Force (in terms of day to day working life). I am optimistic, which is why I chose to stay here rather than jump ship when I had the opportunity at after my first year.
Guitars,
Don't mean to be overly verbose it's just you must remember there are people trying to make decisions on where to go based on our feedback and posts. Do we really want to drive the best to the other airlines? That wouldn't make it better for our daily lives being left with those willing to accept working for a dismal airline.
I get it's frustrating. Management has screwed the pooch. They are so focused on finally achieving their dream of single FOS that they let Rome burn in the mean time. They appear to be like my dog focused on a squirrel. Nothing else matters while they focus on what's in front of them.
It will be a tough 12 months (SLI and JCBA adjustments). But eventually as everyone starts to understand the JCBA and the SLI becomes a fading discussion and as we all move up the list (9,000 retirements in 10 years. Start hiring 1,000 pilots next year.) the trauma of daily airline life will subside, but it will never be perfect.
Next time you fly with a seasoned CA ask him how many different management teams he/she has worked for. Then look at the length of your own career. Unless this management team begins to understand they need labor to succeed they too will one day be replaced by another team. It's the vicious cycle of airline leadership.
When you begin to think how bad it is ask yourself would one of the 14,000 pilots who have an application on file trade with you in a heartbeat.
I've yet to hear of anyone that as told me of the perfect job (never met Hugh Hefner).
It's a good gig, and I can assure you as Chedder posted, it's only going to get better for you. A 35 year old new hire today will make about $8,000,000 or more over their career and have the Company dump another $1,300,000 in their 401K (under the current contract).
Not exactly qualifying for food stamps.
The first years are always the toughest. Just ask that ER Doctor who spent 10 years in college, med school and residency and his first years are spent sleeping on a cot in the break room working the all night shift or walking around on a pager duty with no work rules.