Originally Posted by Nightsky

Just found this forum. Thanks for putting it up webmaster! Wish I had a plan B. I don't, but I do hope to find something in the not too distant future, and leave the industry for good. Anyway - I agree 100% with your post. I love to fly, but hate the profession. So tired of being gone for what seems to be all the time. Tired of my wife and family always sad to see me go, always talking about the stuff they did while I was gone. I commute, and that doesn't help of course. Not willing to live in base though, even for day trips, as my family and I are very happy where we are and love where we live - and I'm not anywhere near senior enough anyway. Base closures have bitten a few of my die-hard live-in-base- friends in the arse a few times anyway. I really feel like I am missing out on so much at home. Yes, I have higher than normal days off, but I spend the first day off sleeping and recovering from the trip, and the last day 'preoccupied', as my family puts it, dreading the return to work and of course getting ready for work. And I can't believe I am gone so much for such crappy pay. For crying out loud my wifes brother, a high school drop out, is making double what I am. Makes my blood pressure rise just thinking about it. I am finding myself actually resenting this occupation.

Just yesterday I was talking to my grandpa; he retired out as a railroad conductor. There are some industry similarities, but after our conversation, he came right out and told me I was nuts for sticking it out in this field. That hit home as I really respect him. He was gone a lot also - but he got paid well for it, and has a great pension too boot. I know I need to get out. The thought excites me and raises my spirit-but I don't have direction.

Anway - best of luck and grats on getting out.