Originally Posted by freezingflyboy

First off, we have ALL been there. ANNYONE with a career has been there. That said, I think the guys who DON'T have to "eat any dirt" and had it "easy" are the ones who are the most miserable when they get to the airlines (not to mention some of the biggest toolbags with the least perspective...but I digress). Having had two other "careers" and nearly 3 years of flight instruction on my way to the regionals I just have to shake my head and laugh when some of these guys and gals start whining. A three hour sit? OH NOES!!! The INJUSTICE! Try standing behind a bar for 10 hours to make $12 in tips along with your $3.50/hr pay. They rolled your day off and now you only get 13 days off instead of 14?! How will you ever SURVIVE!? I remember being busy with flight instructing and having 2-4 days off per MONTH. I guess its different when you do it to yourself? Keep in mind most working stiffs only get 8 or LESS days off per month. A 5am wakeup call?! Do those schedulers think we're MACHINES?! My girlfriend (high school teacher) is out of bed at 0515 and out the door at 0615 EVERY MORNING. With a quick stop at the gym, she is rarely home before 6pm to enjoy 3-4 hours of grading and preparation before doing it all again the next day.

So in summation, things may appear bleak and miserable at times but try and have some perspective. If you can stay positive and make the best of situations that are less than ideal, you are lightyears ahead of the miserable stooges in this business (or any business for that matter). This job can be one of the easiest and most rewarding jobs out there. It can also grind you down and burn you out if YOU let it. Maybe a week or two off will refresh you and let you approach instructing and the career with some new enthusiasm.