Originally Posted by
Jughead
There is so much to say, but so many threads that cover this -
My 2 cents - get your private and enjoy flying for fun. You're looking at tremendous expense for a possible career. Emphasis on possible. And where that career may be is anyone's guess. CFI? Charter? Regional? Night freight? Maybe, possibly a major someday? Maybe? Base your best years on maybes, someday's and hope so's?
Can you survive on half of your current salary for the next 5 years?
Hate to be Debbie Downer, but this job ain't what it once was.
I used to be more optistmic about guys getting into this business - it's good to help others avoid land mines - but the last 5 years of stagnation, bankruptcy wages, people who won't retire, oil speculation, terrorism, furloughs, etc. etc. have tarnished my otherwise rosey outlook. Sorry.
Have a nice day.
I understand. I actually appreciate comments like yours because it provides an important alternate perspective to consider. We tend to romanticize and idealize things in our minds, while forgetting that things may not turn out as we had envisioned. I often find myself in this role, giving people the ugly truth when it comes to joining the Navy. It's not being a Debbie Downer... it's just honesty.
I recently spoke to an ANG Colonel (KC-135 pilot and 757 captain for Delta) about my plans. He was encouraging, but definitely warned me about the potential pitfalls that you mentioned. His advice (and it seems fairly sound) was that I should always have a backup plan. Since I have a TS clearance, it may be in my best interest to keep it active after separation from active duty by going into the reserves. Though I'd rather be done with the military altogether, it's something I'm considering.