Originally Posted by
Macjet
A new line of work? Yes, let me leave a job that pays $23,ooo+ a month and gives me 16 days off to start over at something new. I'm not bitter nor do I hate my job. But I'm also not wet behind the ears and Jonesing to get my hands on that sweet new Garmin XXX. I do my job then go home and maximize my time with my family.
As to your question, there is no 135 progression. It's a dead end path and filled with those who can't move on and will freely give excuses as to why 121 'isn't for them'. I've been involved in .mil aviation, the best and worst of 135, 91, 91k, and I was the guy operating your sim at your last biz jet training center. I just about seen and heard every option and excuse in this business. 135 is like a *****; use it for what you need and move on.
There's a reason why the overwhelming majority of guys fly 121. It pays the most money, with the most days off, and the most flexibility. There's only one 91 flight department that I'd even remotely consider working for but the location sucks. And there isn't a single 135 I'd ever consider as more than a stepping stone to something better.
Those who can work for a major 121 and those who can't will give you every excuse under the sun as to why it 'isn't for them'. You're still new and full of **** and vinegar. Once you get more than a few months under your belt and a little more seasoned you'll see this industry for what it is and how you can maximize your earning potential and QOL. This isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. And a lot of us have a lot more laps in than you do and it isn't the unicorns, rainbows, and oh golly jeepers a new AOPA magazine that you still think it is. Airplanes are expensive to buy and even more expensive to operate. This industry has more examples of failures than successes and many here have rode those failures into the ground and started over. And more than once. There's a lot of wisdom here on this board if you can filter it out and smart enough to heed some occasional advise.
Never said anything about yearning to get my hands on a new Garmin or anything for that matter. Pretty confident that asking about progressions from smaller business aircraft to large cabin class aircraft, because I have an interest in international ops, doesn't suggest I'm trying to sprint. It's impressive that you know so much about me, having never met me.
You've got your opinions about the industry which, by the way, are in no form unique to aviation. Most people in most industries don't rise to the top for a myriad of reasons. They deal with layoffs, downsizing, inabilities to relocate, being passed for promotions, lack of opportunities, nepotism, glass ceilings, etc. Go read any forum for any other line of work and you'll see the exact same type of issues just with different factors involved.
I have no idea where you were going with the unicorns and rainbows comment and assumptions as to what I think flying for a living entails. We'll just chalk that up to cynical rambling while counting your $23,000 for the month.
My previous posts and threads on here are pretty indicative of my interest and openness in seeking insights and advice from those that have been doing this for a long time. Thanks, anyways, for your predetermined, default character judgement of someone newer in commercial aviation.