Originally Posted by PropelFlight

I’m currently a NetJets pilot evaluating whether it makes sense to pursue a move to a legacy carrier. I’m based in Dallas, so American and Southwest would be the most practical options.



I’m almost 38, married with a young child. My wife works full time, and extended stretches away from home (7+ days) can be challenging for our family. I’ve been at NetJets for just under two years and overall have had a very positive experience. I could realistically see myself staying long term.



That said, I’m trying to better understand the long-term career and quality-of-life implications of moving to a legacy sooner rather than later.



I’m hoping to hear from pilots who have recently made the transition from NetJets to a legacy.



Specifically, I’d appreciate insight on:



- What motivated your decision to leave NetJets
7 days was a grind! I would get to the start of day 4 and just be over it. Now I only ever fly 3 day trips and those 3 days have me away from home for a max 48 hours.
I earn significantly more now with half the work. You don't realise how much you appreciate JUST "turning left" until you've loaded bags, stocked up, cleaned, briefed etc.
- Whether you’re satisfied with the move in hindsight
Yes definitely. It sucked being away for Indoc and fleet training but I've been able to spend so much more time with my wife and kids. I commuted the first 6 months at my Legacy but even that was better then a first class upgrade at NJA but being gone 0700 day one until 1800 day 7
- How your work/life balance looked in the first few years
I am Jr on a Sr fleet, so am a mostly a reserve pilot but even with that I get most of the days off I want. I may get short reserve a few times a month and probably 1-2 trips (4 in a busy month). I live in base, so this also means more time at home without having to worry about flight loads/weather.
- The biggest pros and cons compared to NetJets
Pros - Shorter trips. Better hotels. More pay. Multiple different fleets and types of flying. Turn left and never dealing with anything behind the cockpit door. Ability to trade, pick up premium etc
Cons - I miss the more hands on type of flying at NJA, approaches into all of the mountain airports, visiting new airports/countries etc. Knowing your schedule a year in advance. And I miss the airline, hotel points and the fuel points

-Practical differences in pay and benefits
Legacy 18% DC
Profit sharing
Non-rev benefits
Decent enough health insurance. This is where I think NJA has my Legacy beat

- Your total / turbine / PIC time at hire
5000 Total/4300 Turbine/1000 TPIC

- Anything you wish you had known before making the switch
Wish I had done it earlier

Thanks in Advance!