Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
I also have quoted Maslow's Hierarchy Needs before. No matter how fun a job or activity is if you are not receiving the basics, like being able to pay your bills or time at home with your family, you will not be happy.
As a younger person 20K and a life on the road might be fine but people and needs change over time. Aviation is becoming increasingly inconsistent with being able to insure that a persons needs will be met.
As for myself I have often thought that if I was able to have reached my career goals by 26 then perhaps I would not have been so burned out and miserable by 36. I spent most of a decade and a half trying to get to someplace that paid me enough to survive, gave me enough time at home with my friends and family and had enough advancement so that I did not get discouraged.
I gave my career a lot and got little in return. The breaks just were not in the cards for me and for most of my friends. Professional aviation happiness depends a lot on outside factors that you have little control over. No matter how much fun a job is if your basic needs are not being met then you will not be happy.
SkyHigh
Skyhigh, you are so right about the outside factors that we have so little control over. Each of us has to search out the best path, in regard to our quality of life, career aspirations, and most importantly, FAMILY.
I've been very fortunate. My wife recently supported my decision to return to regional flying, knowing what I was getting myself into. I've been there, done that for the last 15 years. Cargo, charter, 121, office jobs, awesome pay in another industry, etc. Fortunately I can afford to do this now and have some fun with the support of my family. It's not about the money for me, since I still have other income to pay the bills thank God. The love of flying pulled me back into this endeavor.
I might be living on this "pink cloud" for now... and I'll enjoy the ride while it lasts!