Originally Posted by Duke
WLDPLT,
Thanks for the words. I've got my undergrad in Aviation from EKU and my MAS from ERAU in Aeronautics and Avn/Aerospace Mgmt. I've also been to the AF advanced instrument school, which I think would look good on a resume as well.
No, not really. I really don't have any of my peers that have separated and gone to the airlines. I don't know why....maybe that's because the bonus was still around and there were a lot of takers for the guys that are a couple years my senior. I do have some buds that are in the guard though and I have thought about that option to help me make the civilian transition and give me more time to start networking with guys in the majors. I'm sure the guard is loaded with guys that also fly with the airlines. I am starting to see more of my peers separating (since the bonus is now only 5 yrs and will likely be gone next year) so I think as the years pass I will know more guys flying for the airlines.
Or maybe I should just try to suck it up for 10 more years? It seems like everything that I'm reading indicates the salaries keep going lower. Looking at the SWA pay charts, it looks like it would be about a 75K a year pay cut for the first few years.....but in the long run, after about 4-5 years, I would be back where I'm at now and start making more around the 6 year point.
Decisions, Decisions. If anyone else has been in the same situation and has any lessons learned to pass along, I'm all ears. Cheers!
Duke
Advanced instrument school.... good.... IP good Masters good ... those all help on a resume. But you really need to find guys you've flown with......that is what gets your resume to the top. You also can go to job fairs and meet airline recruiters.....you'll probably see squadron mates there.
As for pay... You will make more in the AF if you are at the 10 year point. Believe me, I've been there. You will continue to make quite a bit more money for the next 6 to 8 years in the AF. At that time you are 2 years from retirement. Unless you are really lucky and get on with SWA FedEx or UPS this year or next year, your pay will be higher staying in..... remember, most of the legacy airlines took massive pay cuts and many guys are on furlough.........but you have to consider all QOL issues besides pay--that "cost" of staying in is up to your own judgement.
You say you will make more at SWA after the 6 year point or so..... that may be correct, but remember to add the differences between AF pay and airline pay during years 1 through 6. It will take 1 or 2 more years to make up the "difference" in cumulative pay.... taking you to year 18....and man that's close to making 40K per year for life and health care etc.....