Originally Posted by
mundo1
Professionalism is an attitude, a way of life – not something you turn-on or off depending on the circumstances. Many pilots wrongly believe that if they got paid more money or if they got a ton of admiration from the flying public, then their attitude (professionalism) would change. However, it does not matter whether you fly (or wash) a C 172 or command a B747; your professionalism [or lack thereof] will be evident by how you view yourself, not how others view you.
Agree.
I think professionalism has a lot to do with self-respect. I for one, like to look nice. I pride myself on being well-kept, carrying myself appropriately, and acting appropriately.
I would (and will) carry that into any career I choose. It's not just about being a pilot. I felt the same way when I was dumping lavs and working the ramp during high school and college.
I know that I feel better and am more productive (both during work and on off days) after a shower, shave, and fresh change of clothes.
I can't understand how people come to work having just rolled out of bed, with no shower (matted, messed up hair), no shave (sometimes 3 or 4 days of growth), and a uniform that looks like it was balled up in a suitcase for 4 days prior.
I know the shirt may have been in a suitcase for several days, but how hard is it to hang the shirt up when you arrive in the hotel room (this removed most of the wrinkles on my shirt this evening) , and perhaps touch up with an iron or just hang up in the bathroom with the hot water running?
If you don't have the self-respect to do it for yourself, do it for the guys you fly with. I don't enjoy sitting in the cockpit with someone who looks like the last few minutes of a mis-spent life and smells like a gym sock.