Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
Years ago I had a long conversation with a guy who was a captain on a large piston transport category plane. He was in his early 40's never married and in a remote part of the country. He was living in a rented house because he never planned to stay with his company as long as he did, but he owned a nice car and motorcycle.
He claimed that he always though of himself as a family man and can not believe that he was still single. He was distraught that the airlines did not seem interested in his resume because it was all piston time. He had not amassed any large assets and was not able to save a lot. In general he was not happy with the path that his life was taking. I told him to quit, get a job at a regional and move to the city. Make the sacrifice and start over in more fertile grounds.
His response was that he could not quit. He had a good left seat job and was making enough to meet his needs. Overall in the moment he was satisfied and having fun at work, however when he took stock of where he wanted to be in the long run he knew that he was on the wrong road to getting there. In the end as far as I know he has stayed where he was flying a dead end plane in a situation that is unlikely to change his relationship status.
I know a lot of guys like that, having fun in the moment but building little else.
Skyhigh
Then I must ask, Is that no their own fault? I mean cmon! There is only so much one can blame on the industry, before taking personal accountability.
The wrestler messed up. He did. The pilots that wash out their saving, dont build retirement, and chase their *dream* to the bitter end... Are they not getting what is coming?
Sure, everyone deserves a shot, but there is a certain point when someone has to take *stock* and say well it didnt work, time to move on... The one that do not, then yes, they will wind up broke, alone, and old.
Everyone has to be accountable for themselves. Manage your assets carefully. The story of the old Airline Captain, where he trades in his car, his wife, and his house every time he gets and upgrade or divorce... He deserved where he wound up...
If you make regional pay, but live on a major budget, over extend yourself, and pinch pennies till they hit the limit, then eventually, they will break and you lose it all... So, to sum it all up for you. Set reasonable expectations, manage your assets, and do not be greedy!
If you do all of those things, with a little luck, and the grace of god, you may just make it... If you dont, follow Sky's advice, have a back up plan. Mine is the Military. Doest work for everyone, but hey I enjoy it.
Oh yea, and Sky, I may be young, but I have lived more in my years, than most people live in a life time. Do not assume, that every person under 30, is incapable of making decent decisions, either career or otherwise.