I've been doing the UPT Sim IP thing for about a year and a half and can honestly say I love my job insofar as working with the SPs and imparting what little knowledge I have. We are being forced to turn out an inferior product though. I've held on to the hope for a pay increase (DLF got one!!), or civilian flying IPs (it's in the works!). Mother Blue wants more pilots, cheaper and faster, without acknowledging how low their standards have sunk.

I have a class date with an LCC, and I'm really wrestling with what to do. I have a cushy life now, home every night and loving going to work. I only make GS-12 pay, but taking the airline job will be a big pay cut year 1. I've never been eager to go 121, but I'm also tired of looking the other way as the AF lowers standards by the day.

Due to lack of recency, I realize the LCC job offer is the only shot I'll have at an airline career, I'm just not sure that is the career I want. It's nothing compared to the big 6 jobs, so is it worth giving up a comfortable life at home? I've never done the 121 thing and don't know anything about the affect it would have on my 4yo daughter, wife, etc.

Am I dumb for wanting to walk away from a 121 career in favor of a job I'm good at and like, even if the AF thinks is unimportant?