R1200RT

Not only that, FedEx is a leading indicator for the world economy and our stock is down over 6 bucks today. The music is about to stop playing and it might not come back on for a long time. Get on property and it will all work out. Remember the guys that were in the pool during the last down turn for several years. They all had to re-interview and several didn't make it.
You might just be making a career decision by waiting.
As S. said...... Just saying

In 10 years when you miss that wide body captain seat by 10 numbers you will regret your short sighted view from 2011.

Evil

Any Fed-Ex guys on here have a good outlook on the prospects 2-2.5 yrs from now? I've got 1600ish single seat hours in the AF. Should get my ratings squared away in the next year.

Gunter

Lots of retirements if they don't suddenly change the retirement age to 70.

Outlook is a tough question since you aren't very specific. Hiring is in waves even during a positive economy cycle.

finedavefine

To those of you fortunate enough to be in the pool, congratulations, because you might have won the jackpot. That said, I'll again suggest that each and every seniority number that you allow to pass you by, will result in a significant reduction in future earnings, and therefore, your retirement pension. Jhjr and stkshkr, I don't believe that anyone here is telling you what you should do. What they are doing is offering you suggestions as to the prudent (at least in their mind) course of action you might consider or reconsider.

Personally I'd consider everyone's opinion, then make my choice, understanding the ramifications of my decision. If you do that, then all's good. However, I'd spend little time considering opinions that focused only on what might or could happen, or how you could fail. The naysayers here, especially those lumping ANC and the foreign bases into the same pile, are offering you a worst-case scenario.

Addressing ANC only: Yes, it's harder to commute to ANC than it is to drive to work in Memphis. Yes, there's always a possibility that you might be excessed back to Memphis (which is where you want to be anyway). Yes, there's always a chance that you might find yourself in financial trouble, but if one lives within his or her means, you should not have a problem, even on first years' pay, considering that first year pay is still above the per capita personal income of all people living in the U.S. Yes, there's always a chance that this job can (and does) cause marital issues, however, if you've been flying a while, you understand that issue already. Besides, your spouse should be a part of your decision-making process, so she should be entering this deal with her eyes wide open.

One final thought: do what makes you feel good, but realize that sitting on the sideline has consequences, which are long-term and lasting. Understand that being in the pool is not the same as being employed by FedEx, and although they have offered you a job, until you show up and receive both your seniority number as well as your employee ID card, you have not yet arrived.

Again, congratulations. Hope to see you on the line.

FDXLAG

So JJ you think only positive alternatives should be posted I get it now. I wasnt criticizing anyones elses comment I was just pointing out that if you hold the last ticket to cgn you could be there a while at the bottom of the list. I know I wouldnt do that if I had a family and 2 or 3 school aged kids.

As far as ANC good place, I would probably take that assignment.

But either option combined with 4A2b could put a hurt on anyones finances that 2 or 3 more years at WB captain 20 years from now may allow you to break even.

This is a great place to work. It aint guaranteed.

MeXC

Huh???????

FDXLAG

Well the short answer is family comes 1st.

The long answer is 15 years ago very few wanted to work here everyone wanted to work at United or American. How'd that work out for them? Some won some lost I'd imagine.

What is hard to understand about having kids in cgn and being the last guy on the seniority list. To me that would suck. I might be willing to gamble a few seniority numbers to get a better deal. Knowing that I could blow my one big chance I still might be willing to gamble for a better deal.

And to be stuck in CGN or HKG during 4A2b, ouch.

Is it your thesis that he should take the number because FDX might quit hiring but he shouldnt consider any other factors if FDX quits hiring?

YMMV

MeXC

I suggest one does what is right for one's own unique circumstances.
I simply don't understand much of what you write because of the way it is written.

finedavefine

Lag,

First of all, I believe that JJ has retired. Secondly, what I was saying is that someone who only paints a doom and gloom picture, is obviously not interested in helping one make an informed decision. As well, you seem to assume that we're all entitled to make wide body captain. Fact is, it's not at all the case. Everyone should, but no one can predict the future. Not a perfect example, but back when Pan Am and TWA were around, there were guys sitting sideways for the vast majority of their career. Bet they wished they'd gotten on a little earlier. That said, my basic point was to get on as soon as possible, and if it means taking a spot somewhere other than where you want, make your decision, but understand the ramifications.

FDXLAG

Would you like to tell me how my comment was doom and gloom especially in the context of all the flowers and sunshine posts beforehand? Are you saying there are only positives to taking the "last" slot to cgn? Just the opposite I am not the one that makes the WB captain assumptions that would be your buddies who said take the slot at all costs.

Again is it your thesis that one should take the 1st slot available because FDX might quit hiring and then not take into consideration what other possibilities could happen if FDX quits hiring?