I am 29 years old, own my own business which is very successful, truthfully however I do not enjoy it, in fact I hate it.

I have been seriously considering changing careers to aviation. I have a clean record in the US, prior military service, no speeding tickets, nothing.

However I grew up abroad in the UK. When I was 19 I broke into a house and was charged with burglary. I stole a CD player. But regardless I did what I did and I take full responsibility for it I have no excuses.

I paid the fine, joined the military and turned my life around and never looked back.

Long story short, I do not want to devote considerable time and savings to something I have no chance of succeeding in. The required 10 years have elapsed as far as the FAA regulations.

I have friends in corporate aviation. Who tell me it was in another country and so long ago I should not even mention it. But they are friends, and I would like a unbiased, blunt opinion and advice hence I am here.

If in my shoes, would you look outside aviation for a career that you enjoy? Or is it still worth pursuing?

 

If you like 35k/yr or less until you're 40 then go for it.

 

Fly for fun on the side, or better yet, buy a plane and fly it for your business. If your business is doing good, you should pat yourself on the back, save $$, and spend your free time doing things that make you happy. You are very fortunate, and happiness comes from within you, NOT from what you do for financial independence.

 

Thank you for the replies, however I wasn't specific enough. With my previous criminal conviction in another country, over 10 years ago, would I be better advised to look elsewhere?

From a happiness standpoint I need a career change. It has to happen one way or another. Its either this, law or med school.

 

Go to law school. Find a local attorney, and work under him for a while until you pass the bar exam and then build your own office up with your own clientele.

 

aviation attorney would be a cool job. Met one once, he had two P-51 in his hanger and a spitfire all his.

 

Where you convicted of burglary? Or did you plea bargain? I'm not sure how burglary ranks on the criminal scale. I had a misdemeanor 20 years ago. It didn't even come up in the interview (I did disclose it) I also had a clean record and military service since then. It's probably not a big deal.

What is your business? Do you have a wife and kids? You might feel unhappy now, quit, spend a fortune on training, get a new job that you hate and be unhappy and broke. Money might not buy happiness, but definitely buys stability, comfort, and opportunities. If you can still keep your business while you start your new career, that'd be best. Or as someone else mentioned, find a way to incorporate flying into your business. Personally, I'm looking forward to being able to start a business of my own in the future.

I just saw the Med school part...I don't think it's a good time to go to med school. The ROI on that is a pretty big gamble right now with Obama care.

 

I doubt this will preclude a flying career in the U.S., at least at the regional level and below. Beyond that will probably depend on the quality of the applicant pool for majors going forward.

 

if you can afford fly as a hobby. in terms of career go to med school. its a long road in aviation and a lot of uncertainty.. but if u love flying no matter who says what u will gibe it a try. but i would suggest get a private license first and see how it goes. if u hear good things and enjoy it..u will continue if not u can still use ur license to fly as a hobby.

 

PRS Guitars, I pled guilty. I had committed the crime a year before, and had already decided I was going to try to change my life and leave that place and join the military. When I heard that I was wanted in relation to it I walked into the police station turned myself in and made a full confession. Maybe it wasn't the brightest thing to do but it seemed right at the time.

My business is sheet metal/welding. I have 8 employees. The business could run while I took flight school. So finances are not a huge concern but of course always relevant.

I would not become a pilot if all I was capable of doing due to my prior history was working regionals for low pay for the rest of my career. Everyone keeps telling me I should not even bother to mention that charge from so long ago and another country on any application. I feel that honesty is the best tactic but if honesty would preclude me from ever moving higher in my career I either have to not mention it and be dishonest or find another career. Just trying to ascertain before I invest any significant time and money whether my past would be likely to disqualify me from moving up in this career field.

I really appreciate the replies gentlemen.