I got extremely lucky when I got laid off post 9/11 and got a great corporate job and a GV/GIV rating.

Coming from the airline, it was a total mindset shift. Some things I was warned about and others I had to learn from my mistakes.

First off...it’s ALL about doing what you need to do to accomplish the job. The “job” is getting the customer/owner where they want to go and make it look effortless in the process. You have to be a self starter—have a plan for every preflight but don’t get too invested in it. You’ll know when the fueler, ice, catering, flight plan/permits/arrival info and even newspapers should be there. After a while, the hair will stand up on the back of your neck when something isn’t happening.

I really miss this type of flying and fully intend on returning once I retire. (Which could be next trip if the current insanity continues!😜

Keep your chin up, smile, let the bad days roll off your back and don’t get involved in any *****ing or hangar politics. We tend to “sport *****” in the airlines. That doesn’t fly in corporate. Keep a good attitude and don’t complain—if you have a problem, discuss it privately and professionally with the Chief Pilot. Sometimes the Chief IS the problem. Sometimes you just have to push through keeping a good attitude until the problem gets resolved.

But, the bottom line is keep a good attitude, stay motivated and try to enjoy every trip.

TC