The fact is instructing was not my first flying gig as I worked on many seasonal jobs also. As far as having a second job I actually had a third job to try to make ends meet.

I can remember the propaganda of aeronautical schools "Now is the best time in history to train!" If the flying industry is bad at the time they tell you: "You should train now because then you will be prepared for the turn around that is right around the corner. When the industry is good they tell you: "You should train now because the industry is better now than it has ever been."

What is happening in the industry is the "Wal-Mart effect" combined with pilots love to fly. This is the recipe for exploitation. This industry is moving to a low-cost model and once it proceeds down this path there is no turning back. Passengers love a deal and the days of the gravy train (1st-class corporate travelors) are done. This means the race to the bottom of the low-cost model has begun. Like Wal-Mart the lowest cost players will likely win out.

My advice to anyone considering entering this field is to have a realistic backup! A few extra classes is not enough. Get a degree in something else (anything else) because you will likely need it. Pursue this career only if your love of flying is stronger than all the instinct and logic you have in you. The sad truth is we are in many ways worse off than the starving artist because flying demands huge outlays of money to enter the field, continue training, and to maintain currency and qualifications. That is what makes aviation so different is the enormous investment both financially and mentally. The reward should reflect this, but it doesn't because people will do anything just to continue flying.

For those of you that have already made it my hat goes off to you. Just be sure to hold on with both hands and appreciate what you have. The advice I offer is mainly for new entrants and people struggling with no end in site. Keep your witts about you and know when to fold them because this industry will never be the same again.