Originally Posted by Albief15

I think if you are planning on anyone else making you rich these days...be it Delta, FedEx, JetBlue, or whoever...you are out of luck. Before you cry in your beer about days gone by, consider what doctors, lawyers, and other professionals have faced in the last 20 years in real income. Most professions have lost ground or at the best are holding their own these days. The "get a number, work 30 years, retire rich" may or may not have been a reality for most folks, but it is even harder to find these days. So...what do you do?

First--I like the idea of a degree (and a passion) outside aviation. Got several friends who have law degrees, some own businesses, etc.

Second--if you like to fly, the Air National Guard/Reserve components offer an outstanding way to fly and serve your nation. I always liked being part of the home team, and the "ANG MEMBER" license plate is a source of pride for me. There are differences in units and missions, but the stability of the ANG and the diversity of flying are a nice compliment to the instability and sameness of airline flying. When the phone rings--you HAVE to go--but I loved my time in the ANG and appreciated what it did for my family.

Third--network all the time. You never know when your fellow crew member, the old classmate, or that guy you worked a few charters for back at that FBO might be your link to a great opportunity.

Finally--don't forget to count your blessings. I spent 10 days on the road over Christmas and New Years, and earlier in the month missed a daughter's birthday. It would have been an easy month to sulk and pout. But I am lucky to have this job, and lucky to have a family I get to provide for, so sometimes a good attitude really does make a difference in how you look at that commute or that delay or any one of the other 1000 irritants on the job.