Originally Posted by nyc7erb

Just a little more perspective on early retirement. I took the PIRP package and said goodbye back in September. Before I left, I talked with as many retirees from Delta as I could. A lot of them had left just before BK and were on the young side to retire.

Without exception, every pilot I spoke with said that he didn't miss the flying one bit (and these were guys that loved the job). As a matter of fact, most said that they had wished they had left sooner. Their health, demeanor and general mental outlook was all much better a few months after they hung it up. It is amazing how much this job takes it out of you. I guess you get used to feeling tired and beat up all the time.

The first few months, you seem to check your portfolio a bit more than normal, but soon you loosen up a bit when it becomes apparent that you will be okay on the money side of things.

As for me, I couldn't be happier sitting on the sidelines. When a line of storms rolls through NYC, its nice to not have to worry about it at all. Let it rain.

My advice to anyone on the fence is to go as soon as you have the money. You won't look back, I promise.

Flying for Delta was a lot of fun and the guys there were all great. Life after flying the line is a lot more fun though.