Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
I hang my butt out everyday that I go in the air. If we're talking about how many people you might have an effect on then I give you that. If I run into a mountain - I only kill myself (or two at the most if I have a backseat rider). If you run an airplane into a mountain then who knows.
If you think that your job (ATC side) is more stressful then we'll just have to respectfully disagree.
In the last two weeks my squadron has had three near-midairs (as defined by the Naval Safety Center), a loss of engine oil resulting in a single engine approach, and today I had a wing unlock caution (remember my wings fold). Probably more but those come to mind while I sit here.
I only know one side of the coin and like I said - I couldn't do your job so I won't be learning that side of the game.
USMCFLYR
Stress is almost impossible to quantify, because it's such a personal thing. In my experience, the biggest factor is "who do you have to work next to?" In any career, whether it's selling shoes, prostitution, ATC, or airline pilot (I've only done the last 2 by the way), if you enjoy the people you're with and love doing your job, then you'll have less stress. For example, when I worked in ATC, I would have rather worked a busy shift with short-staffing and miserable weather if it was with a good group of people than work an easier shift with a bunch of d!#kheads.