Originally Posted by
Rama
I've worked in this industry turning wrenches and flying for over 20 years. It is tough much of the time for sure, I am on airline #5 and they pay me fairly well, treat me pretty well and fund a retirement program. I know I'm lucky to be here and I fly short haul for less money as opposed to long-haul since I get to spend time with my kids everyday.
No one said it was a cakewalk and no one forces you spend your time looking back with so much regret. There are sacrifices to be made as in anything worthwhile. It didn't work for you, fine. It works for me and probably many of the 80,000 + pilots flying for the legacies, SWA, Fed Ex and UPS.
We are all very happy for you. It is not easy to find a place where a pilots personal life is not overly impacted. I would like to caution that no one in aviation really knows if it truly "worked out" until age 65. Nor can one be counted out until the party is truly over.
It is important to always re-evaluate your situation. Most do not make it to a major.
Skyhigh