As I continue with my internal and familial debate about whether or not I should make such a drastic career change a little late in the game, I’ve discovered I have another question. This time relating to family life. I’m getting to closer to gaining the support of my better half. Luckily she likes the finer things so the thought of the potential earnings is helpful. The big hang up is still around child care. We have two under two, which I know is only going to make the transition more of an uphill climb. But I’m thinking more about the long term. My wife and I will both be working. She is an air traffic controller and works shift work. Are there any other folks who fly who have similar situations? How do you manage childcare?

 

For childcare outside of normal work hours it's probably going to be family, friends, or a full-time nanny. We used family and friends but only needed them when my wife's occasional travel overlapped my trips, once every couple of months.

You can't rely on ad-hoc babysitters, so a nanny may be the only other solution. You could explore in-home daycare... maybe somebody would do it after hours.

I have heard of after-hours childcare at large factories which do shift work, and in factory towns.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. We don’t currently live near any family unfortunately. We are thinking of relocating but that will take time of course. We’ve used a Nanny for other needs in the past so that may be our best option. Or an au pair. Nanny costs add up pretty quickly.

 

I also have a follow up question, I’m just going to use this previous thread since the subject line is still appropriate. I know that this can vary depending on seniority, type of flying employer, etc... but I’m curious how long is a typical “trip” is. Let’s assume junior FO at a regional, and also just for fun a junior FO at a major.

 

Probably between 2-4 days covers 90% of the avaialable trips. Day trips are generally pretty senior.


GF

 

That’s what I was figuring would be the case. Thanks for the feedback.

 

And all regionals will be pretty much the same, nature of the business model...

Regionals often (usually) operate the last (late) flight from the hub to the outstation, and also the first (early) flight to the hub. With FAR 117 that means either two crews must overnight, or a standup. Standups usually go senior as well.

 

If you fly cargo you’re much more likely to get out and back trips.They will typically be at night. So if your ATC wife works at a part time facility that closes at night you would have opposing schedules so that someone was always home with the kids.

You prob won’t be making as much money, but your wife will be the bread winner regardless of which route you go. Working cargo to cut down on childcare expenses and cater to her schedule might be the best option for someone in your shoes

 

Of course one prefers the blessings of a spouse. I also know those who tried to please & the other found an exit anyway. A few went to great lengths to please.

I’m just saying to be reasonable and expect the same. There are times when you know what you have to do, while the next cannot fathom your course of action.

 

Far and away the best scenario with the spouse is to already be established at your career major before you get hitched.

Second best is that she's knows you're committed to doing aviation before you get hitched. This worked for me, I delayed engagement until I decided what I wanted to be when I grew up so aviation was part and parcel to the deal... and sometimes I have to remind her of that.

If you drag a wife (and family) down this road be careful you don't get stuck in the cycle of blame, where she sets the tone that you always owe her something for disrupting her life... you won't be able to enjoy life because you're always trying to "make it up to her", and of course the bar on that will keep moving for as long as you're willing to chase it. Need to set the tone that you're doing it for your own fulfillment (which any spouse should reasonably support up to a point) and there's a CHANCE that you'll end somewhat rich with great QOL.