Originally Posted by
Arctichicken
I'm slowly planning on sailing off into the sunset in a few years. After spending over a couple of decades flying for the puzzle palace, I can't say I've grown to love this place. It's been a paycheck and with a few tricks, I've made this place work. Speaking to friends at the big three, SWA, FedEx & UPS, they all seem to be fairly happy. No gig is perfect but the eskimo lags behind these carriers in just about every aspect and sadly, it always will. Big iron vs. narrow body, PNW base, family culture, commuting, to name a few, are no longer valid arguments for coming to Alaska. Unless you want to be PDX based and drive to work, I'd look elsewhere. Some on this forum may call guys like me the "angry 30" but I don't sugar coat a turd and sell it as Godiva. Choose wisely.
As a new hire this is sad to read. My only exposure has been to the school house, but it seems like most guys here are very cool and down to earth. I feel lucky to be here due to my lack of experience.
Rose colored glasses aside, it seems like the common theme is that this place is a stepping stone unless you want to retire living in PDX and that I will be giving up “seven figures” if I stay here for the next 38 years. Tough to determine if this is hyperbole or the reality of retiring here.
Regardless, I am stoked to be here and the experience has been very positive so far!