I know it’s easy to feel like it’s all but impossible to move on when you’re a 40 something civilian RJ pilot. After spending years trying everything I could think of, I couldn’t even get an interview. All I wanted was a chance, and it seemed like that wasn’t going to happen.

At one point I even considered quitting and making a career change, as at least I could control my destiny. But I continued to do everything reasonably within my power to make it happen. Incredibly, I ended up getting two interviews with my top two dream carriers. That turned into an offer from each.

I feel very fortunate, but I know it never would have happened if I had a defeatist attitude. Don’t get wrong, we all have our down days. But you have to believe in yourself and keep doing what you can.