Originally Posted by ancman

I mean, if he was very happy living in Atlanta, would this thread exist? I’ve tried it. It’s not for everyone.

I’m simply saying that for someone who wants to spend the next 40+ years living in Texas, there are 2-3 other airlines that will offer better QOL than Delta (with UA obviously crossed off the list). When everyone is hiring and you’re not seniority committed, there is flexibility to make choices that can improve your QOL for decades.

Originally Posted by StayFrosty

I actually understand how you felt. While twenty years older than you, I left SWA after six years back in June. SWA is a great place, awesome people, made good money but I was just not happy and going thru the motions. I’m lucky to have a very understanding wife and kids who encouraged me to follow a dream. I consider myself fortunate that I was assigned the 737 in the class drop and since hitting the line I’ve held a line and every week I’m laying over in Mexico or Costa Rica and flying with great people. I know layover destinations shouldn’t be an end all but it was important to me and I couldn’t be happier in my new life and enjoy every minute to its fullest. Even my family has noticed a difference which is humbling to me. My worst day so far at Widget has been easier than elsewhere although I’m biased now (and understand it could change in a heart beat with tweaking of software, for the worse). So good for you in setting a goal and following your dream!

Since June I’ve had pretty quick progression and now sit at 93% system seniority so about 1% per month. For full disclosure, I’m hoping for first available upgrade (I’m older and need to make up lost income) anywhere in the system on the 737 (most likely) or 320. Will it last and get me to 87% or by summer? I don’t know. It could slow down, maybe hold a bit, maybe bidding characteristics change. Whatever happens, (this is gonna sound corny) I believe a higher power put me right where I’m supposed to be and perhaps I don’t recognize the path they have in store but I know I’m at the right place and right path. So follow your dream, (not trying to preach or anything) be the best FO/new hire that you can possibly be, learn a lot, and enjoy every minute of it because I can tell you, one day you wake up in your forties and you want to make sure it’s been a hell of a ride to that point.

Wishing everyone well and safe flying.

Stay Frosty

Originally Posted by myrkridia

A bit disappointed to see the advice on here about going to a different category when OP already stated they currently live in Atlanta and are contemplating a move to one of our busiest non-hub domestic airports. I'm sure you heard this plenty of times but you and your wife should consider the lost opportunity of income over the course of your career should you indeed become a commuter. As a TX commuter it's not a bad commute, but if you already live in base that would be hard to justify for me.

Originally Posted by FangsF15

Okay? But he also said he left UA for here, and is very happy with his decision. So…

Originally Posted by Ripinpeace

Absolutely you’re right. Tho, I haven’t lived in any GA suburbs yet, and family has told us to try that out before making a big jump.. we haven’t lived in AUS either, we just know we like AUS from visiting all our lives. Tho it was UA or DL, DL being my fav, AA not an option at this point. Even UA guys hated doing the AUS commute to IAH, had to sit SC at a gas station in call out range; or still fly 30 min to commute. I’m leaning now towards stay in a GA suburb, fly as much as I can, and once WB FO down the line then commuting may be an option. We don’t have a reason to move other than preference at the moment, so it’s hard to justify. I’d gamble AUS becomes a base a decade or two from now (optimistic) plus FL is still an option where my fam is. Appreciate everyone’s input, nice to hear others opinions it’s helpful !

Originally Posted by Ripinpeace

For sure, I’m keeping that in mind. It’s difficult to justify AUS just because we “like the idea of it”. We both have good jobs in ATL, I can make more money this way, more time at home, plus we like to be able to non-dev often and go anywhere on a moments notice that would be ruined in AUS.. Thank you for your post!

Originally Posted by m3113n1a1

How long you been dating this girl? We're just gonna analyze every facet of your life here 😂

Originally Posted by Ripinpeace

For sure, I’m keeping that in mind. It’s difficult to justify AUS just because we “like the idea of it”. We both have good jobs in ATL, I can make more money this way, more time at home, plus we like to be able to non-dev often and go anywhere on a moments notice that would be ruined in AUS.. Thank you for your post!

Originally Posted by Ripinpeace

For sure, I’m keeping that in mind. It’s difficult to justify AUS just because we “like the idea of it”. We both have good jobs in ATL, I can make more money this way, more time at home, plus we like to be able to non-dev often and go anywhere on a moments notice that would be ruined in AUS.. Thank you for your post!

Originally Posted by Ripinpeace

Heya! I’m 24 and am aware senority relative to DL would be better. But, I like to think with possibly 43 years (congress depending) that factor is irrelevant, I was EWR 787 and could’ve held IAH 787 by now. But I kno I don’t wanna live in Houston again; and many UA AUS guys hate the AUS commute cuz u either drive 3 hours or still have to show up to fly for the commute.. Obiv, I’m a DL kool aid drinker, I truly didn’t believe in the UA direction (didn’t feel like I had truly “made it” and didn’t take pride in flying the UA product) and commuting AUS-ATL or NYC to work at a better company for 43 years seems more worth it to me, but time will tell :/