Originally Posted by
SaltyDog
Well homebuilders can start a ex-homebuilders forum on the web, ex-bankers, ex-truckers, ex-taxi drivers, ex-farmer, ex-auto worker, ex-construction worker, ex-middle managers, ex-mayatag repairman can do same.
Lots of jobs hit, pilot job same. It was kinda always a pilot profession thing to have a backup, I see no reason it to change it, I know guys who do all sorts of business from the laptop on the road. Some do things on days off (like build houses, HVAC contractor, draftsman, Real estate, etc.
If motivated to get another degree, try to get a law degree. Work on a CPA if it has interest. Have a plan that can become a substitute you can pick up full time if need that you enjoy. Example: If you get opportunity for a leave of absence. Work on degree if able. Married, is spouse able to support the school time? Simply take advantage of a furlough (get degree in Nursing/Law/CPA etc at a state college. Get unemployment while in school while still looking for an airline job, etc. Maybe you start a business while flying. Find a pasion like the flying disease and get it going. Guys I work with have an FBO, Home Builder, Lawyer, Fast Food restaraunt, Real estate, Mortgage Business, etc. Good backup as well as job protection for rough patches at airlines if necessary.
Les Abend had an article in flying magazine a few months back that covered the same topic as pilots with double work lives. His position was that is was a sign of how far the profession has descended that pilots had to find outside sources of income in order to survive. I suspect that since pilots are getting use to not expecting the company to provide for their total income needs anymore that it serves to undermine desire for wage increases.
In the past pilots had second jobs out of boredom, ego and from a need to invest their surplus income. Today it is just out of need. They can not afford to rely solely on the profession anymore.
SkyHigh