Originally Posted by t6dpilot

Interesting reading all the comments here and surprised (but not really) at some of the highly negative comments. Especially RyanP. If you are in that bad of a state, then you really should consider a career change.

If you don't mind, I will give you my take and welcome any comments. I too am working on this career change. I have spent 27 years in the private sector within a couple of different industries and am looking to do something different. I am one of those that love aviation having grown up around it and will probably be one of the guys reading aviation magazines in the crew lounge. And I'll most likely be one of the older guys in class at 52 and am looking forward to the experience.

I already have a CTP class date in early Sep followed by CRJ school immediately after. Not looking forward to the multiple weeks gone from home, but I know it is a one time deal to get the signoff. The great thing is that my wife is 100% in support of this decision and I will live at my base in Chicago. Hopefully that can last until we decide to relocate. We live in a great community that is actually not all that far from ORD - maybe 20 mins, so I am hoping this will offset some of the less desireable aspects of being a Jr. FO. My goal is to put in my time as FO, learn as much as I can (having fun while I am learning), and upgrade to CA in 2 years or so (projected time for an ORD CRJ CA). Fly as CA on the CRJ for a couple of years and review options.

I know that regional life is constantly in flux, so my "plan" will most likely change multiple times. However, the goal of getting a type rating or two and a 000's of hours turbine time should pan out. I think I would like a flow to the majors, but could it be possible that I actually like being at my regional? Maybe... I am certainly not ruling that out. Also, I have a friend who flies for UPS, so that is in the back of my mind also for some years down the road, although I am fully aware that is a tough seat to get. Understanding the current pilot shortage is only going to get worse, should create a better environment (i.e. flow to where you want to go) for pilots, no?

Regarding the 9-5 corporate world, DO NOT fool yourself about the security there. First of all, I don't know any of my former colleagues who worked 9-5 or even 8-5. Plus, no job is secure any longer and management will cut heads at the drop of a hat. No reason needed, just "going in a different direction." It could be to bolster their position with senior management or to cut costs (see previous) or any other reason that may or may not be performance related. And they will do this without warning or a "work out" program no matter how good a performer the person is or his/her tenure with the company. And if you are lucky to keep your job, then long work days are the norm, not the exception. It is the way of the world today. Not many jobs are safe and cushy any longer.

If you think an airline pilot's schedule is long and hard, so are many coporate positions, one of those being in a national business development or sales management role. I used to do it and I see my neighbor gone many weekends and typically most of the week. Early Mon departures and late Fri arrivals - almost every week. Sucks, but you do what you have to do. I actually didn't mind the travel as I got to see lots of different customers and parts of the country, but it did get tiresome sometimes.

That said, it is time for a change and I am looking forward to it. I do not know exactly where it will lead, but I am ready for all possibilities. Saying this tongue firmly in cheek, but I look at it like this - it won't be much different than my previous business travel - gone for 3 (or many 4) nights, hotels, airport and restaurant meals, airline travel - except the TSA lines are shorter and I get the best seat in the house. Well, that is how I am looking at it to start. Carry on....