Originally Posted by CAirBear

Or you could live where you want to live, where most of your family/ super close friends are and in a city you grew up in and actually care about.

I “lived” in base back during my RJ days cuz everyone told me how incredible it was. Right… I ended up leaving and going back home (where my life was actually fulfilling) after only 6 months or so. The city sucked and while I had a couple work/pilot friends who also lived in base, it wasn’t fulfilling and I wasn’t happy.

I currently have anywhere between 10-12 flights a day - 1 hour or so block to and from my home and work. I can assure you my life isn’t miserable because I commute.

What would be miserable? Moving to base. A city I don’t care about where I have zero friends or a social network. Not saying I wouldn’t be able to make friends eventually, but my lifestyle would be impacted significantly for a good while.

I’m a member of a golf club where I live now and have tons of hobbies/activities back home that are important to me. I’m very involved in the community. Being able to live where you want to is pretty incredible. Don’t take it for granted.

Sure maybe commuting isn’t for everyone, but if you have a lot of options and it’s a quick flight (drivable In absolute emergency) it’s not a big deal. It will suck when your on reserve, no doubt, but once your a line holder It’s pretty simple to get trips that are commutable.

Obviously, you have to be smart and reasonable about it.

If you live in BWI and fly for Alaska commuting to SEA well… your probably gonna wanna kill yourself at some point. Live in BWI based in NYC with any of the legacies? Completely different deal.