Originally Posted by emsgoof

Over 10 years of firefighting / EMS. I can always look at the patient in my ambulance, or person who we're cutting out of a car, or the homeowner who's house just burned down, and say "Damn, glad that's not me". But, I'm switching careers. Over 10 years of busting my butt (physically, emotionally, financially - talk about low pay!) and what do I get? "Sorry you got hurt, don't let the door hit you on the way out". That was from my "dream job" in firefighting. It wasn't a great job- low pay, no raises, long hours, nights away from my own bed, occasionally wondering if I'd gotten off the fire engine one too many times... but I enjoyed it.
I know aviation is similar, but it's another thing that I've always wanted to do. I've known it since I was 8 years old, first doing a FOD run down the Concorde departure runway with my uncle (airport manager), then zipping down the taxiway next to the Concorde as it took off. That was the day I decided I wanted to do aviation, and I've never doubted the choice. Even after lots of research (family members who are in aviation, working at the small airport talking to the staff and pilots, I still talk on occasion with my private instructor), I still know I'm making the right decision, and not all of the SkyHigh's in the world will change it. I think being 30 I'm old enough to make my own decisions Sky, but thanks for the doom and gloom you always predict.