So... I'm about to get furloughed. I need some advice as to how guys stayed im the pilot frame of mind when on the street that have went thru this before... Do most guys just say screw it and pick up non flying jobs lapse on everything pilot wise (medical, flying currency etc...)and wait for a call back to do everything over again? Or do many try and get a flying job somewhere? (Flight instructor, 135, etc)...My thinking is if I dont stay current im totally limiting myself. I assume all carriers want currency if for some reason the recall rights vanishes.. IE company goes under...i just feel like my flying career is on the fringe of being over. Its a terrible feeling after dedicating most of your life to something.

Thanks

 

Which carrier?

what are your non-flying options?

age?

 

I am assuming this is your first. I was expecting my third until a week or so ago. It is easy to think it's the end of the world. Those of us who have been to this rodeo before know what you are going through.

You are correct that maintaining currency is very helpful if possible. I was able to do that the second time but not the first. Hopefully your airline survives so your recall rights have value. That's your best lifeline.

Just like you would with any job loss, apply everywhere for everything from CEO to 3rd shift janitor. Until you get a job offer you don't have any choices to make. When it comes to flying jobs consider training contracts. They will want you to sign one if they think you will go back to your previous carrier. Carefully consider the math and how hard it would be to pay it back if you were recalled early.

Try to stay current if you can. Don't spend any savings you don't have to. Get the highest paying job you can find, flying or otherwise and carefully consider the opportunity cost of a low paying flying job to stay current vs a higher paying non flying job. It might be worth it and it might not. There are many variables.

Stay positive though, this too shall pass.

 

Thanks much... I'm 38

 

If you have recall rights currency won't matter much, probably shoot for the highest paying, least QOL disrupting job you can find. Take anything that pays better than unemployment.

Several sectors are hiring like crazy right now, might sister lost her job but got another one within days (biotech, go figure). If you're sure about the furlough and can take a LOA, you might still be able to beat the 1 Oct rush.