Originally Posted by
Deathray
Thanks for posting this. In my experience, those whom I’ve flown with who barely hung on definitely had more of a negative attitude than those who were furloughed, worked elsewhere, and then returned. Those who barely missed furlough really got abused and kicked around for many years through pay cuts, BK, seat stagnation, crappy work rules, etc. So, although being let go stinks, it might also provide other opportunities. Maybe some cool mil orders. Maybe a non-flying job where you can be home with the fam every night. I mean, you’re already hired so you don’t have to worry about being current. They’re gonna retrain you when you return.
Couldn't express it better! I actually loved UAL when I came back in 2014. I was certain I'd get furloughed again because of the same incompetence at the management level but the last 5-years have been great. Flying to the Islands on the 75s has been a vacation every weekend. Coming in over Malibu as the sun is coming up into LAX is about as pretty a view as one would want. UAL is a lot more fun to come back to than to be at.
I just ran the numbers for myself yesterday and I'll be better off leaving UAL than staying, though I'm 5000 from the bottom...so like you said, life won't be fun if I'm not furloughed anyway. I can make more on the outside that I think I'll be paid to sit reserve on the Bus and then do the 4-legs to the Omaha layover. Yesterday I called the CPO and said bye and mailed in my iPad and vest. The CPO was sort of amazed a guy would check out early and gave me the "hang in there together" speech. But in good conscience I can't sit knowing I'm taking a job from someone that needs it. I wish all you guys luck. I do have a couple First Officer hats still in the bag if anyone wants one!