Originally Posted by
calcapt
I have always viewed things in life pretty simply as that's how simpletons operate. In history, it has often been the case that the guy or gal who made a truly amazing discovery or achieved something special were the ones who had not heard from the naysayers how it couldn't be done. They didn't know it was impossible in the minds of 99.9 percent of the people, yet they did it because they hadn't been poisoned with negativity, gloom and pessimism. Don't get me wrong here, aviation does not come without sacrifice and hard work. Anyone who begins the journey not believing so is in for a rude awakening. However, the destination in my opinion is, and has been, worth every second and every dollar invested. The view from the top is awe inspiring and nothing short of magical.
I always saw this career and most things in life in this light: The major airlines or (fill in your own dream job here) will hire X amount of new pilots this or next year. In order to be one of them I will do everything in my power to prepare myself for what they want. I commit to study rather than party, network rather than play video games and love my friends and family as I know there will be times I will need their support. Once you adopt this attitude and lifestyle, you will be amazed at how good things start to happen to you. Take the time every day to appreciate where you are and what you have. Do something nice for someone else every day! As a guy who came from humble beginnings I appreciate every day where I sit to make a living. I adopted this simple, yet effective philosophy and never looked back. I am an average guy who got average grades and have always struggled to make my way. I didn't expect easy, so I was never overly disappointed when it didn't show up.
The airline industry will twist and turn as it always has and we, as employees are along for the ride wherever it takes us. The only steady in the process should be you. A good attitude and a hard working commitment to make yourself and life better will save the day almost always.
This sums it up quite nicely. I'd also add that, a person entering into a career with this kind of attitude will present well to prospective employers. You make your own luck, sometimes, and this is exactly how to do it.
Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20. It' easy to look in the rearview mirror and see the mistakes you made. The trick is to not dwell on it and move on. Life is a journey, and should be looked at in the forward view.