Originally Posted by
Albief15
Dave,
Read your posts for some time--you seem like a very decent yet somewhat idealistic guy. (Quote Seinfeld...not that there's anything wrong with that...)
I retired after 24 years in the AF and my SWA interview was only the second job interview I've ever done, my main issue is probably just a lack of experience with the corporate world.
Originally Posted by
Albief15
Your past posts indicate you think airline pilots are a bunch of whiners and unions want to kill the golden goose. Not yanking your chain--seriously--hope you get the job and enjoy flying the line a couple years. Then I'd like to hear your perspective after you've flown the line a while. SWAPA has some hard working SOBs fighting for YOU. It also has some guys who will roll over and let mangement suckle the milk from their teats whenever the company says "boo" about a scary future. Your job will be to filter that info and support guys who can help take care of YOUR family and not just the company.
I believe I limited my "whiner" comments to the usual type of poster that's found on these message boards (Browntail, Cynical, Lavender et al). I realize that there are also some well-reasoned people that make inputs here, but most of the flamers hiding behind anonymous logins cast a shadow over the rest of us. Again, I have a major lack of experience regarding unions, if I sounded like I thought badly of them then it was just that. I do realize that unions have a place, but they bear some of the responsibility as well for the current situation.
Originally Posted by
Albief15
All that aside--if I was starting this business tomorrow SWA would be very close to the top of my list. They make money. They have fun. They know their business. But geez...don't let the beverages and smiles fool you. They'll send you flowers when your mom dies, and you can drink beers with some great crews--but this is nothing but a brutal business.
Enjoy your second career. I'd also look for a side gig...
My sim instructor job here at Boeing ATS is secure, I was up front with them about having applications out there even before I interviewed with them and they have been nothing but supportive, so I am VERY fortunate there. If SWA sends a rejection letter, I have a backup plan.
Originally Posted by
4th & Goal
I wouldn't be asking questions about contracts until you get the job. Not a smart thing to do.
My wife agrees with you on that one, she thinks that one question may have cost me the job. Well, I figure that I should ask about what concerns the pilots have about SWA, after all, I'm checking them out as much as they are looking at me, I want to make a good career choice. If I lose the job, then it wasn't meant to be. I'll take the consequences either way.