I just recently got back from 3 weeks off. I had a half dozen doctor appointments, two neurologist visits, and a medical in jeopardy.

My first flight back after getting the A-OK I had a smile stretching from one side of my face to another. There really isn't anything else I'd rather be doing at this point.

I used to say I hated to go to work. I wanted to sit at home all day. My outlook has changed tremendously and I now feel privileged to just be allowed to do what I do. I don't know how long I will feel this way but hopefully for a long time.

I guess what I'm trying to say is a lot of people will say they want to "get out" but I bet the majority will find themselves right back in the left seat as quick as they can get back in it.

There is money to be made in this industry. You can slowly go up the pay scale the lazy way getting a job with a union carrier or you can go out and pay your dues, acquire experience and type ratings, and network your butt off for your dream job.

To sum it up, if my company went under, I'd take a look at where I wanted to end up and tailor a job track for that. Maybe that means taking a step back and flying freight. Maybe that means taking a pay cut to be an SIC at a small fractional. Who knows. But god-willing, if I'm able to hold a 1st class medical, I'll be flying.