Originally Posted by
MellowedOut
Exactly…or the guy here who apparently thought he was going to be idolized by everyone he met as he sauntered his way, draped in a bomber jacket and Aviators, to the Crown Plaza from his “cushy” wide body job. I have never run into any pilot who has worked outside of aviation and made the switch who has regretted it or thought it was a grueling job.
I left a mid low 6 figure position to do this at 47. Was it crazy? Maybe/probably…. But my wife and family supported it and I have never looked back. I made great money but the job stress was high and hours long. I see my family more now. I seem to have hit a sweet spot and have been lucky though. In three years never sat reserve involuntarily, never been JM’d or extended and I’m now headed to a major. So while I seem to have been quite lucky, I do enjoy most trips and the flying we do. YMMV.
Am I passionate about flying? Not really; but if I have to work and am not going to win the lottery, then I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Sounds like a unicorn experience.
A lot of guys are on their 2nd or 3rd regional, making 80k in the left seat to have insane levels of responsibly, commuting to reserve, junior manned, apps out everywhere and no calls.
I want to puke every time I hear some bright eye'd RJ FO that says '
WHEN I'm at a major" as if it's a given.
Nothing is a given in this industry. Some people are lucky, a lot aren't.