Update
[QUOTE=mdt301;569486]I am hanging up the headset for a gun belt. I was laid off earlier this month because my boss found out I was considering other employment. They were looking to cut payroll so I basically gave them a reason. As it turns out I was offered a job with a police department in the Dallas area. I have to say aviation is one of the most unforgiving careers when the economy goes bad.(Which from research is about every 10 years) I have been flying for a living since 2004. My salary started at 12k and ended at 50k. I have had two companies close the doors on me, which sent me looking for employment. Nothing is ever stable in aviation. As much as I love flying I can't put my family with that burden for the rest of my career. However, thats not to say that I didn't have some of the best times of my life, because I did! But for me there are more important things in life than the thrill and enjoyment of flying professionally. Good luck to all those who choose to stay. I do not recommend this profession as a career, MAKE IT YOUR HOBBY! However, if you can't stay away go fly helicopters!
Currently in the third and final phase of training of becoming a police officer. I must say there are a lot of similarities between aviation and being a cop i.e. knowledge, stress level, training all the time and studying. But I must say I have been happy, it's nice to have a schedule and not to be worried about getting laid off (at least in my case). The wife and I have been very happy with the change. Oddly enough I really have not missed flying all that much, which is strange for me because I really love aviation. I have plans to continue flying, maybe trying to do some CFI work. Good luck to all those who stay. FYI currently at FL350 using WiFi on a AA, flight this is pretty cool!
mdt301