^ That's what I did during the last downturn. It was a great choice.

Don't make a rushed decision. Had many friends leave the industry during the 08 meltdown and almost all regretted it 5 years later when they compared where they were to where they'd be if they stuck it out. Sometimes it's really hard to see the other side during times like this. That said, had a few who left and became very successful in other fields and never had an ounce of regret.

Support gigs to stay in the industry if you like. Knock out your dispatcher test and look for openings along those lines. Its a backup I have on deck anyway...good luck.

There is no other job out there where you make more money with the least amount of work, can live where you want, and don't bring work home with you. I left aviation once, never again, willingly.

While true, there is also no other job with:

a cyclical nature and very dependent on the economy itself
seniority based, leave your company and you "start over" at another one
relationships with "management" historically full of friction, at all carriers
physically gone from home some, or all, of the month
divorce and depression rates higher than other jobs

Not to mention a laundry list of medical conditions that could put you out on the street with no options, as well as the fact that one relatively benign mistake could toss you out of the industry.

this is the biggie right here. Not just the economy, but oil prices, world affairs, terrorism, you name it/etc.

anytime something goes wrong, the first thing that happens is pilots get furloughed.

simpleton analogy.....if my son got accepted into Embry Riddle on a full scholarship, and Harvard medical school on a full scholarship, and he loved flying but also loved medicine/science/etc, I would steer him to Harvard.

you know what a heart surgeon does when he doesn't like the way a certain hospital "treats him" ?

he walks across town, gets a sign-on bonus at Hospital-B, and does not miss a beat.

Some of us aren’t smart enough to be doctors. Some probably could do it but would not be willing to stay in school for 8+ years. Also, every job has its ups and downs. Ask your doctor how he likes dealing with the insurance companies and you’ll see just how great the medical field is. Plus our industry isn’t the only one getting hurt right now. Lots of people getting laid off but it seems most pilots are still employed, at least until Oct. 1.

You're comparing Embry Riddle to Harvard?? That's funny.

Oh yeah, I forgot, Riddle is the Harvard of aviation universities...LAMO