Well...that changes everything.

It's what doctors refer to as a systemic disease, as in, find me an airline/flight operation of any kind that isn't going downhill. They're ****ed at SWA, which has always been Happytown compared to most places. I just jumpseated on Fed Ex, and boy did I get an earful. My friends flying for HP, Kaiser Air, Bechtel, Citigroup (what's left of it), Coca Cola, Altria (the former Philip Morris) and even the guy that flies Larry Ellison around are all *****ing.

Oh wait...the grass has got to be greener for the traditional "professions", right? At my kid's school two bond traders just got laid off, a senior manager for UBS (Swiss bank) just got told move to Jersey or quit (he hates Jersey). Even the personal injury lawyers are bummed out (fearing tort reform when healthcare goes through-can't sue the government). And the surgeon two doors down is terrified of healthcare reform and what it will do to his earning potential and working conditions.

Point is, everybody except the newly and soon to be appointed government czars and other government flunkies is feeling ass pain. The fact that this guy is crumbling to the point of sniveling here speaks far more to his lack of common sense and character than the sad state of the world.

 

I just don't get what makes him/her so miserable. I've had at least 12 different bases. I've moved 3 times, where the wife wanted to live/work, and none of them to a base. I've commuted to LAX, SEA, SAN, and ONT while living on the East coast. Sucks but the wife liked where we lived.

Scheduling is still scheduling, doesn't matter which airline.

 

You're missing my point Bob. Yes, a lot of people are feeling the pain these days, none of us are exempt. However my point was that UPS is using the current economic climate to chip away at what they agreed to a few short years ago. How many of us believed UPS when they said; "Welcome to the last job you'll ever need." How quickly the company forgets that promise as soon as the profits slide to a measly few BILLION dollars a year!

 

I heard the "last uniform you'll ever need" speech 21 years ago. I got over the fairy tale thing quite some time ago...some never do apparently. Fed Ex is of course grieving the company's use of furlough prevention language that is kicking their paychecks in the nuts...I sure as hell hope they prevail, but talk about chipping away. We managed to do the same thing with a (however faulted) purely voluntary program, and of course UPS is chipping at every perceived or real weak spot...what self respecting management doesn't?

Jeeeze...please find me that utopian job where everybody's overjoyed and I'm on my way.

Well?

 

Hit the POWERBALL and work on your tan ...

 

They don't say that anymore....at least they didn't in my class from what I remember. If they did, I blew it off. Unlike some people, I've paid attention to what's been going on in the industry! I don't care if Bill Gates hired me to fly for him, I would never believe a line like that. Unless you are a CEO or executive with many many buddies in the same circle, your job is never guaranteed.

 

I got hired by a legacy carrier in 1984. And they told us the first day of class, that we would be captains in no more than 10 years. And, they weren't lying.


Of course, they didn't say where...

 

Well?.......

At the risk of raining on a few parades, there ain't no sure bet in this business. While this is the best deal out there for many of us, it won't float everybodies boat.

 

KEEEEEEEFFFF! And that reminds me - I need to go buy a bottle of JD. I recommend that for Mistake, too.
Great tune, thanks, Jungle!

 

I'm just curious...since UPS is a cesspool of misery, and you can't possibly stomach working here anymore, where exactly will you be focusing your attention for employment? Certainly not another airline...where then?

Ok, we've been warned. So, is moving to Alaska (on UPS' dime) completely out of the question? Someone else here mentioned this to you...if you want QOL/time with your family, move to ANC, and bid reserve. Your family will probably see so much of you, they'll be sick of seeing you around the house, and be wondering when you'll leave on your next trip.

As for being a UPS FO for 20 years, there are worse lots in life. In 2012, a maxed out FO (15 yrs seniority) will have an hourly rate of $185.51...that comes out to $180,872.25 per year guaranteed. That doesn't even count per diem, international override, or anything you fly over the 75 hour guarantee. Not too shabby for yanking the gear handle, and checking the pulse of the Farve in the left seat.

Before you throw in the towel at Brown, I think a long term VLOA is a great idea for you. That way you'll be able to compare your lifestyle as an airline pilot to that of....say....a corporate executive....or a mall security guard. The possibilities are endless! Please keep us informed here how the job search is going.