Jay Dee,

Aviation might be what you want out of a career but what do you want out of life? My point is that aviation is increasingly making it harder to accommodate the rest of what most people consider as a full and normal life. It takes certain elements to build a happy life. Most people probably have a spouse and children in their future. A family needs stability, financial security and quality time at home. The demands of an aviation career are making it exceedingly difficult to meet the lifestyle needs of the average family.

I understand that not every college student is in financial debt as a result of their education and training. However, my main point is that they all have incurred high opportunity costs by virtue of a wasted educational opportunity in choosing an aviation degree. It is a debt against your future prospects in life. Not everyone goes to college to develop a career but at some point it is a good idea to think about your future. I heard on the radio the other day that the University of Idaho is now offering a major in "Fly Fishing Guide". I am sure that there is a kid who it trying to convince his parents that it is what he is interested in and wants to do.

You may be happy with your profession now, but your needs and perspective will change as you get older. I am happy with my new life. Aviation was supposed to help me to reach my dreams. Instead it was an obstacle. As far as I am concerned my entire aviation career was a waste. I went into it with a specific purpose and that was to make a better life for myself. All my classmates had the same goals. To that end aviation was a complete failure. It did not provide a better income or lifestyle and as we go into the future I can not see much of a hope of things getting any better.

People need to know what they are getting into. I hope that you have a plan "B".

Skyhigh