foreign students come from a Math and Science background, so they are already ahead of (generally lazy) American kids, who in their Ch.11 public school systems, in addition to science and math, learned tremendously important topics such as who John Taft's vice president was, or how to diagram an English sentence, or took French (very important language to have), or took woodworking.

Not saying that woodworking isn't fun, but what I am saying is the US school system needs a realignment to reflect the needs of the workforce.

Also, career guidance is minimal by the majority of American parents and school officials. Most parents are "as long as my son is happy, he can major in whatever." Well thats fine and dandy and makes me feel warm inside, but 150K of school debt later and and still-unemployed kid, well, what did we accomplish.

I also thing the 4-year degree importance is much LESS than what it used to be, especially in the healthcare field, where 2-year associates degrees such as X-Ray techs, dental assistants, etc are making 60-80K a year with two years of school.

American kids are WAY behind their foreign counterparts. More chinese speak English than Americans who speak English. Meanwhile, various circles in American actually create laws mandating "english only" in public. Gee, that is expanding our culture isn't it.



my two cents

 

If I had a son, I would absolutely. I would make sure that he got a degree in something that he could actually use iun the event of furlough, but other than that... I'd say go for it. It's still better than working.

 

And what if your children can't get into a military flying job? Would you still recommend it?

Are the Doctor jobs being taken by foreigners because they'll do the job for less money and can meet the barriers to entry? Sounds kind of familiar...

 

Would I let my son follow me in aviation?
Yes. Actually my 16 year old son wants to be an airline pilot. He wants to fly MD-11's for Fedex. We are planning on his degree to be in Aviation Management, and I'd like him to get his A&P as well. It doesn't look like he'll go to Embry-Riddle or UND, but rather a non-aviation college where tuition is far more affordable, and in-state. I explained that he'll work during college, drive my 8 year old Hyundai, and do a 4 year degree in 3 years. He has leadership experience already and is quite self-sufficient, and can take care of himself well.
Some pilots ask me why I would allow him to do this career, when we all know the pitfalls and disappointments that can happen. My own career started well enough, but currently I am floundering here at DL after 16 years, an F/O again after being on the wrong side of a merger, and no advancement likely for years. Now hold on, I am not negative, nor do I hold a grudge against my fellow aviators whose fate was better than mine. I still love flying the jet, the routes, the pilots, the passengers who visit us and want to know what we experience. I hope my son will know the joy of flying I do, and the comeraderie of pilots, plus the places I've seen.
You know, someone probably told the Harbaugh brothers that pro football was a pipedream, go get a real job. Someone told Bob Seger and Ted Nugent that music was no career and you'd starve. I think Rodney Dangerfield starved for decades as a comedian before he made it big. Some of my family members were doctors, and would tell you it's a miserable profession. Great money, but don't forget high malpractice premiums, calls to go to the hospital in the middle of the night, disgusting patients, insurance companies who deny all your payments...
I'm telling you, if you find an easier job than this - call me ASAP.

 

I love what I do and who I do it for. I've wanted to be where I currently am since I was 4 years old.

Neither one of my teenage boys has ever shown the remotest shred of interest in wanting to follow in their father's (and grandfather's) footsteps.

And that's fine with me. I want them to do something that makes them happy. The best thing is finding a career you love, and getting paid to do it.

 

I don't have kids, but I'd absolutely support a decision on their part to get into this industry if that's what they truly wanted to do. This job can certainly be dysfunctional, but I love flying airplanes, and at the end of the day I can't imagine doing anything else.

 

I've been doing this, military and civilian, for 32 years. It ain't what it used to be but it's better than most. Yes!

 

Thats ok..Don't really don't know if FX will have MD-11's by the time he becomes competitive to be hired there but who knows. Me personally I discourage all young people from aviation especially maintenance. If they want to get into it be a pilot or dispatcher. Never a mechanic. I really hope they get to a point there are no mechanics. All the MX schools are closing. Yep I agree with you pilot is the way to go. Make sure he keeps focused on it.. Sorry to stray off topic just venting.

 

I'm steering my son to be an airline CEO. It's a no lose job.

 

1. "...airline pilot" - Probably not - but then I never wanted to be an airline pilot, am not an airline pilot, and will never be an airline pilot; therefore I can only pass on to anyone is such a situation what I have learned of the industry from my seniors, peers, and juniors in the business and hope that they might make wiuse decisions going forward.

2. "...to be a pilot again?" This time just a pilot huh? Absolutely YES!
I loved my career, the military in the past, the short time as a contractor (loved the flying - not the contracting part), and love what I'm dong now.
I would give someone comtemplating this decision all of the same advice above, but with some personal stories and wisdom picked up along the way.

JNB - Yes - I would encourage my child (M or F) to go into the military for the pure experience gained and service to a greater cause. Any service, peace time or war time, for the minimum tour of duty or make a 20+ year career out of it; but that is just me.