Faith, luck, timing, networking, and the ability to execute under pressure (check rides and interviews...) all play a part in successful aviation career.

It is not for everyone. DBTownley had a dream job at a major...but it turns out it wasn't his dream. I helped a guy leave John Travolta's pilot stable to join SWA...left a great corporate gig to sit reserve as a commuter. Another guy I know left working for Larry Ellison--where he had the key to the store to include some L-39s...to join an airline. If we all wanted the same thing it would be a miserable world. There isn't a "right" career path; there is only the path that is right for you.

One thing that folks forget is everything has a price. I flew fighters in the AF for many years before joining the airlines. The cost was a lot of work, time away from family, some increased risk, and the loss of a few friends. I also have met a lot of guys 5-10 years younger than me from ASA, Exp jet, etc that got here earlier...and some are even captains. I've seen guys junior to me in their 50s that came here from US Air. There are goods and bads to the choices we make, but in this industry there are so many "X" factor unknowns it makes choosing a course a very difficult proposition. Some guys jumped from the military before me--got furloughed at DAL, AAL, and UAL, and came back in via the ANG. Guys who stayed in to 20 in my peer group left the AF to find there were basically zero jobs in aviation at the moment...and now they are stuck wondering if they'll ever get to fly again for a living.

I understand that when I go into a casino the odds are on the house. But I still like to gamble...because it’s fun and sometimes you win. Aviation is like that, but so far I've seen the way to beat the odds is have a little faith, follow your heart, marry the right person, and work like hell when you get the chance. I know there are a lot of losers in this game, but don't forget that there are guys who went to med school to be surgeons that ended up doing something much less lucrative and enjoyable as a physician, and not every lawyer ever makes a killing in litigation. Bank officers, managers, and engineers come and go during business cycles too. An associate of mine from my town was a bank president--three years ago I was asking him for money for a farm. Since then, he lost his job, sold his home, and now is a renter looking for work and calling me for leads. It isn't just pilots who suffer the slings and arrows of fortune. Granted, not having a seniority system means when some start over they don't always go to the bottom, but ours is not the only industry littered with disappointments.

For me it was simple. I loved flying fighters, but I didn't like going into work every day. I loved fighting in jets, but also wanted to see a bit more of the world. I loved teaching others and serving as an officer, but also longed for the day that my work consisted of showing up, doing my job professionally, then hitting the "brain off" switch the moment the plane was safely stowed instead of worrying about 100 other things besides flying that were required by my job. Being an airline pilot gave me all of that, and I have never been happier in my life. I took a chance, gave it my best shot, and ran to a major the first chance I had. Now, 8 years into it, I see I was very fortunate and blessed by God. But for those on the sidelines--yeah--sometimes the story DOES work out. At least for me--the money spent on flying lessons at age 15, the years of adventure and moments of terror in the military, and the effort to prepare for the interview at a major all were worth the effort.

Now--living this life has a price, too. I love seeing Europe, but wish my wife and kids were with me when I was gone. I don't miss holidays...but there is a long list of missed plays, performances, etc along the way. But I have a great wife who has her own passions and is confident and secure enough to let me chase mine, so we work pretty well as a team. Not every spouse is like mine, and not every pilot wants what I want out of a career--but my friends in other lines of work miss events at times too when duty calls.

Finally--a great way to enjoy what you have is to have a backup plan. Build a savings nest when you can. Take a second job--in another field--and develop skills outside of aviation too. We are all just a bad class 1 physical from needing new work. For military guys--keeping one foot in the Guard or Reserves is good career insurance. Knowing you have a parachute can reduce some of the day to day stress in this industry. I know many folks want the lifestyle...a good salary and 15 days off a month. Since I joined the industry in 2002, I've never seen enough stability to make me comfortable putting all my eggs in one basket, so I have always tried to look for other ways to put bread on the table. In my case, a small business and the ANG were just the ticket, but everyone has got their own skill sets. I've met pilots in construction (slow now!), real estate (a gazillion of them) a few lawyers, some plane brokers and mechanics, and a handful of farmers. The common thread to each of these folks was that while they were busy they LOVED their airline job. Maybe doing something else reminds us of the good stuff about this flying and why we got into it in the first place.

In any case...if you are currently miserable...I'm sorry. I know a lot of things have happened that weren't your fault. If you like me are happy--count your blessings and try to share your gratitude. And if you are out there on the fence...there is still room for success, but it’s a tough road and you should be realistic. Like other posters...I see a rebounding economy, some retirements, and a few manning changes by the FAA all pointing to some potential openings in the next few years. If this is still your dream, I think you will have some opportunities.