Originally Posted by Firefighterpilo

There is a major difference with dentistry and other careers. If your neighbor, in a worse case scenario had to close his practice, he could easily go get another job in dentistry working for a different practice. Airlines are unique in that when one is furloughing 90% of the time no other airline is hiring. Add in the starting at the bottom of seniority list with first year pay and it creates a uniquely painful job to have during downturns. Aviation is an amazing job but can sometimes be a very brutal career.

Originally Posted by Bahamasflyer

I don't disagree with much of what has been said, HOWEVER......I really don't consider this pandemic as something that realistically was a possibility a year ago.

Sure, a 2008 style recession or a terrorist attack were in the realm of realistic possibilities that society could have planned for, but this is literally a HUNDRED YEAR black swan.

Remember, this goes FAR BEYOND the piloting profession. We are talking about the potential for massive unemployment upwards of 30% among the general public, and the potential for widespread massive civil unrest among the populace.

So I just think it's misleading to imply that the piloting profession is the only thing being affected when so many of my non pilot friends are too worried about their jobs.

And on a side note, is it any wonder why I NEVER want kids! I worry enough about supporting myself in this day and age, let alone someone else.

Originally Posted by 123494

You're exactly right. Not many careers exist that would require one to start out at the bottom of the list and at the lowest pay if they change companies. There really are no lateral moves to make, in good or bad economic times. I've been planning on leaving the airline pilot thing for a while. I might still fly the bare minimum and look it like "part-time" work, but more than likely I'll be gone altogether.

Originally Posted by 123494

Forgot to mention dentists in New Jersey are not taking patients for routine checkups/procedures, only for emergencies, hence why most offices are closed. It's just temporary of course and again, this is far from normal for all of us.