Originally Posted by SkyHigh
Just last night I received a phone call from a long time aviation buddy. He (like many of my friends lately) announced that he is quitting his 20 year flying career to build decks. I could hardly disguise my disgust. BUILD DECKS !!!! What a looser.. I mean he will earn more money, be able to live where he wishes and be home every night but what is he thinking?
I have to go now and pick up garbage at the job site and haul it to the dump. The drywallers are done and on monday I have to start trim, paint, floors and cabinets.
SkyHigh
Eyes on the prize, tell yourself no lies.
Wow! I hope the loser comment was tongue-in-cheek, Sky.
As for my situation, I'm retiring after 24 years in the Air Force and I have apps in with UPS and FedEx (I've been a "trash hauler" all my life and don't have any desire to haul pax) but aviation is not the goal in my life, it's one tool to get there for me. Sounds like you're in construction by the tail end of you post; I wish I had those skills to fall back on myself, I'd have a lot more options than I do now.
At the end of the day, I want to be able to send my kids to college and not have to "eat dog food" when I'm retired; how I get there is secondary whether it be flying or construction or whatever. From the story you shared, it really sounds like you made the right choice.
For what it's worth..
Dave