Thanks TF.

Put it to you this way, if I knew I could support my family and be around more than a few days a week, I would fly. I was never happier than when I was flying, on the way to the airport or driving home after a nice flight. I'm sure I'm the only one here who's ever felt this way. I just felt like I was finally home.

My folks are in real estate and are pretty wealthy and I have some natural skills... (ahem)... B.S... (ahem)... along with a lifetime of real estate knowledge growing up with them so it seemed a natural fit. Ironically I never wanted to do it when I was younger, but again, to feed the family it seemed a natural fit. And I can tell you that it's a heck of a lot better than tending bar at beach resorts... well... at least for a loyal family man.

One of the carrots to lure me away from flight school and into real estate was the promise of enough cash to live comfortably and fly for fun rather than work. That wasn't quite my dream, but it seemed a reasonable alternative. But my folks divorced and the real estate market tanked so I started looking at flying again, especially since a client told me that Heli pilots were in short supply. Well my research showed that to be a bit of a farce so it's back to real estate.

I must admit that I do enjoy it much more than I thought I would, and I'm pretty good at it. We all just need to weather this storm and life will be good. Again I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here when I talk about cyclical businesses.

Another thing that sealed it was my old flight instructor. He flew both seats of the Brazilias for SkyWest out of Monterey for a few years and gave it up for Insurance sales. He's much happier. It seemed that once the demand curve shifted in favor of the airlines, they began to take advantage of pilots. No more fly to a destination, spend the night, fly back and spend 2-4 days with the family. No. He would often be gone for as much as 5 days solid. I always knew that a pilot would have to leave his family for a few days at a time per week, but not 5!!! I don't think I could do that and I want my kids to have their daddy around. Yes, I work 60-70 hours a week, but at least I'm home every night to put the little ones to bed and most nights even for dinner, though sometimes a late dinner.

Does that answer your questions?

By the way, if you know anyone that wants to buy or sell property in Southern Oregon, I know a good Realtor!

Kendall