Cadet pilot dilemma - pilots please help!
 

Hi everyone! Really need your input here. I'll just try to keep this short!

I'm 30 this year. Recently passed an ab initio cadet pilot selection for a major Asian airline. Have yet to sign the contract. It'll be a sponsored program so the bulk of training is paid for by the airline, who will then deduct a certain amount from my salary once I'm a FO. It's, imo, one of the best programs in the world.

Bond is about 10 years (2+ yrs training + 7 yrs as FO).

However, I'm in a dilemma to take the job, as my wife is not very supportive of me, and I'm honestly not PASSIONATE about flying. I have an interest in it, love flying RC and just controlling machines in general.

Here's the thing, I don't mean to boast, but I've saved a good amount of money (7 figures - more than a mil), and my current business earns me above $20k a month. Used to be better but business is currently on a decline.

I believe my business will not survive the next 3 years (though that is not certain) which is why I'm planning for a career change. I believe a pilot career is stable (in my case) and money is good (in this airline at least), and is a very respectable job. It was extremely hard to get pass all the interview stages I went through. Out of 150 interviewees who went for the first interview, only 3 made it this far while 147 failed.

What would you do if you were me? My business right now allows me to work from anywhere in the world.

If someone pays you the same as what you're earning now as a pilot, would you quit? I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place to ask.

If your wife is not supportive of the change, then I think it's a terrible idea. This profession can be tough on a marriage.

So many red flags in your post.

Biggest one is the described lack of support from your wife. That would be the biggest concern I'd have at this point. Especially if you have anywhere near the savings you've described. She may end up with a good chunk of your stash of cash in the end.

If she's not supportive of you, this may be indications of underlying issues within the marriage.

Figure out the commitment of your wife first. Then go from there. Flying airplanes is secondary.

Thank you for the laugh
That's some funny {#%^ right there

Yeah my wife is fully supportive of what I do and its still a hard career on the marriage. Do you live in the US? Taking her to Asia doesn't sound like the best idea then either. Asian airlines can have rough schedules as well from what I've read on the forums.

You lack of wife support combined with a 10 year training bond spells disaster in your future.

The way things are going overseas I wouldn't work for any overseas airline and miss the hiring wave in the US due to work rules and employee protections you get here.

Just apply to JetBlues ab initio program, at least you'll work in the US.

Otherwise, since you make decent $ pay to get your license through CFI then build your hours as a CFI in a cadet program for one of American Airlines Group regionals with a flow to AA and start your career that way.

You don't have to love flying, you just Have to like it enough to do the job safely and professionally.

Those are two huge red flags. Even if the wife leaves the picture, if you're not passionate about flying and don't enjoy it, then forget making a career out of it.

1. None of those programs are 'best in the world'. It's marketing BS. The USAF and USN are the only ones who can make remotely valid claims to that title. You will be trained bottom dollar to swing gear and keep the seat warm.

2. You will be a slave for 10 years, nothing else.

3. Your wife will probably hate it and leave you. The schedules in Asia are horrendous.

4. "Airline Pilot" is not a stable job. I laughed out loud when I read that.

5. If you aren't willing to leave your wife over it I wouldn't do it.

Frankly you seem incredibly naive about what you're in for. Stick with your current business and fly RC airplanes on the side.

Focus on your business, not working for a huge company where your just another long employee number with a long term bond to pay off.

Dilemma, you're not PASSIONATE about flying. Your spouse is not supportive of your idea. You're earnings and savings are substantial.

Buy a plane, build your time. Perform charity work with your aircraft. Once you meet the requirements, apply for a job with a regional, which has a "Flow Through to a Major". Cheaper in the end as you can sell your plane if you don't like working on a schedule that does not suit your needs.