Originally Posted by
G550Guy
I know several guys who were furloughed... I have a lot in common with them. I was standing in the unemployment line in RDU along with about 300 of my Midway Airlines colleagues in Sept 2001. I went and drove a Tanker Truck at night to feed the family.
The big difference between my furlough and yours?? You had a job to go back too, we didn't.
So before you go all church lady on us "young sky walkers"... learn your audience pal. Some of us have been in this rodeo for 25 years or more, and actually WANT to fly for UPS.
I don't want to drag this out too long, but there is a big difference between post 9-11 furloughs and UPS' furloughs. I had some friends at Midway and Independence as well as other airlines went away. UPS was making around a billion each quarter during the furlough, hired managers during the furlough and continued to sub-contract while their pilots were furloughed. I'm glad you are happy at UPS. It will make it a better place for all.
My primary caution is for the OP to leave a well paying job for what may or may not be a better paying job. To my knowledge FedEx, Southwest nor Jetblue have ever furloughed. There may be some value by going to an airline without a history of furloughs. I know that I said to go to the big 3, the trick there is to get above 20% for some protection. The big 3 will have a significant number of retirements over the next few years. Our industry is unique in the seniority system. Decisions to change employers are not to be taken lightly and the grass isn't always greener. I don't want to be overly negative, but know each airline's history and culture and make the best decision available. Good luck to all.
MBB