Originally Posted by Firefighterpilo

I have some insight but I went the other direction. I worked for a top tier regional for 7+ years during the lost decade. I made the switch after getting my fill of the airline life style and the ups and downs it can include. I have a jaded view, admittedly, due to my timing in the industry. I am fortunate that I work as a firefighter/paramedic for one of the highest paid depts in the California. My station is in a ghetto area so lots of fires, shootings, ODs, accidents and excitement. I honestly make more now then I ever came close to making with the regionals. My only aviation friends that are currently out earning me, are captains at the majors. I make roughly Major Widebody FO pay thanks to rank, specialties and OT pay. This is possible due to an amazing contract. With OT I still work less then 15 days a month and my family visits the station frequently. You throw in a pension, benefits and stability I could not be happier with my decision. Do not take for granted the job you have. The airline can and does change very rapidly and you could be left standing with no chair to sit in. Coming from public service you have no idea how much you take job stability for granted. Being a firefighter brings me more job satisfaction then the airlines ever did. I get to now make an actual difference in a community where most kids have no healthy adult role models. I have saved countless lives from heart attacks to burn victims. Not even acing the most challenging approach or trouble shooting an inflight emergency come close to the adrenaline rush and feeling of accomplishment this job gives me. Don’t get me wrong flying was by far the best job I ever had, but being a firefighter is a better career. Do what makes your heart happy but trust me you have no idea how good you have it until you start flying for a regional. It will make you kick yourself for leaving the fire dept. Even worse if the music stops and you are stuck at a regional for ten or more years. I know I know retirements! but we were saying the same in 2007. I love flying and plan to go back to it professionally when I retire with my pension. For now though I make plenty to be able to fly a few times a week for fun. I go places I want to go and seeing things I want to see. Trust me I get the allure of becoming a pilot but please think carefully about what is best for you and your family. The regional lifestyle and pay caused me to almost lose my wife and kids. Now I am happier then ever, work with my best friends and deal with real emergencies that save peoples lives daily. Please PM me with any questions you have I will give you honest answers. I still CFI some and stay up with the industry through my friends and publications and cherish the years I was a professional pilot. Either way you choose I wish you all the best!