Originally Posted by
FoundInTheMind
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?
I think it depends on the long-term prospects for your current job.
Also a big factor would be where are the LCC domiciles amd can you move there. 121 is a pretty good life, living in base makes a good job a great job. Even most of the LCC's have pretty good CA pay, compared to normal white-collar job, especially considering how little you work, and then the nature of the work (ie park the plane, grab your gear and go home without a worry in the world). LCC FO's should mostly get paid better than GS-12 as well (first year pay is a kick in the junk at many airlines though).
Ideally talk to someone at the airline in question but today, with typical work rules a line holder will make about 1200x hourly rate annually + 401k (employer DC is typically better than most white-collar jobs, 15%+ at many majors).