de727
I know this thread is starting to sound like a pity party, and that's not the intent. (At least I don't think it is.) You are absolutly right, there are plenty of people that will thrive in the industry as is stands today and however it looks tomorrow. Take yourself. I think is bad @ss that you get to fly a 75. I know you've had many layovers and hotel stays and have felt the bad as well as the good. Nobody should try and take away from your accomplishments, and I can't compare my life to yours because we don't know eachother. (As far as how being away is such a struggle and if it's worth it.)

This is what I do know though. I love flying more than just about anything. You're right in saying "what else, how else and what will I be paid and for how long?" I'm looking into law enforcement personally. I'm going to miss the little things like bringing the gear up, meeting a new crew, and for some reason even commuting. I guess what I'm saying is I feel like an aviator at heart.

What I can't do anymore though is hope my job is secure when it's clearly not. I'm looking at a second furlough by the end of summer. I know I'm not unique in that fact, I'm just saying I don't want to deal with that anymore. I don't want to miss my son learning something new everyday. I don't want to feel like my skills as a pilot are being taken advantage of. I feel so lucky to be able to say I accomplished my goal of being an airline pilot. I'm also lucky to have worked with some of the most professional people I've ever come accross. I'm just simply stepping away, not because I can't hack it but because the lifestyle doesn't fit anymore. No regrets. Just another job opening