Originally Posted by
Antney
I seem to always come back to this forum once a year to ask the same question but this time I will ask it differently.
What would it take a current pilot at one of the majors to leave the career. Assume you have a good marriage with children.
I constantly come back to wanting to come back into this career however my first attempt was in my early 20's with two years a regional (no family at the time), since left and been part of a successful company growth and compensated well. Now almost 40, wife and 4 kids thinking of a mid career change back in. Everyone of my friends still flying always tell me not to come back but never give me a good enough reason, especially now with the major movement unlike when I first started.
So really interested in current pilots at major airlines what it would take for them to take a job outside of aviation. Thanks in advance!
Kinda sorta in the same boat, but I never made it to the regional level. First cousin is at Atlas, brother in law is at JetBlue and both are captains so I have seen the life they live.
I was on the same path quite a few years ago until I got lucky and got in with a good company as a project manager and things have gone well. But I couldn't help but wonder 'what if' I would have continued flying? I have seriously considered getting back into it, but at the cost of an instructor and airplane today I would be crazy.
A few weeks ago solidified why I'm glad things have worked out the way they have. My cousin has a daughter who is a pole vaulter and this is her senior year in high school. Over her junior and senior year she set 5 school and area records and won a state championship this year. You know what? My cousin missed every event. Never saw her break a record, did not see her win state. I cannot speak for these 2 men, maybe this wish they were home more, maybe they're happy they get to get out of the house.
To me that's not worth it. I'm able to coach my sons baseball team, I hand delivered flowers to my daughter after her ballet performance last week, and I come home to an awesome wife every night.
Airlines were my goal and I loved the journey....when I was single. My family is now my priority. We are considering purchasing a plane in the future, but time will tell.
You have to weigh your own priorities in life. What's important to you and how will it affect your family? Good luck in your decision.