career change, opinions wanted
 

so i thought id post this here for some more experienced advice. im thinking of pursuing a career as an airline pilot,and i have about a million questions for anyone with good knowledge. first off im 27 years old with an excellent paying job, with no real college. so my first question is, does not having a college degree hurt my chances of being passed up for good jobs? i know a FO that flies for american airlines and he doesnt have a degree, but he tells me that its a big deal to have one if i ever want to possibly get on with a major. is this true? i know i have an extremely long road ahead of me but im trying to look at the big picture. i've read lots of threads in this forum and im trying to figure out, is this line of work really as bad as some people make it out to be? i have about a million more questions but these will do for now. sorry about the typing i dont type very often. also can any one elaborate on the(pilot shortage)? i just received my private license and am fixing to start on my instrument so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Not to be sarcastic but what do you mean by, "A good job"

I'm 42 and on my second career: I spent 15 years as a construction electrician and ...........Money isn't everything

I fly for a regional and have never been happier.........

Working for an airline is, like most things in life it is what you make of it.

I don't believe there is a pilot shortage. I think there is a shortage of qualified people willing to accept the jobs at the given wage structure. If wages increase and carriers begin to increase the hiring minimums, then you may see more qualified people coming out of the woodwork to accept those jobs.

i say good job because its a fun job and the pay is great. i paint cars for a living. but unfortunately its a young mans job. in other words i dont want to do it past the age of 35 for health issues.

Not having a degree will make it very hard for you to get a top tier job, like your AA F/O friend. That said, there are many other flying jobs that might fit the bill for you. It's hard to say.

A lot depends on what you need to make, pay wise, in 1, 5, and 10 years. And how much you're will to be away from home. There are major sacrifices to follow this career. I find the rewards far exceed them. But that's just me...

69CHEVYshortt : Check out the top topic in the flight school forum, I think you will find it helpfull...............Goodluck!

I understand your desire to change careers, especially if you have health concerns with your given job.

The pay is good - depending where you end up. Each of us will have a different opinion as to how to define whether pay is good or not. $100K comes up quite a bit, but that is usually gross pay. As a general rule, count on taking home 60% of your gross for wages above $100K.

The other thing to analyze is whether or not you will receive a return-on-investment for your training dollars. That decision is between you and your checkbook.

I've had a great time every step of the way. Flt instructing, light twin night cargo, regionals, and been at a major for 14+ years. I still fly all nighters and not sure when i'll make captain.
It is and has been very hard on my wife. I have wanted to be a pilot since I was 4 yrs old. This is all I ever wanted to do. It is not easy. There are sacrifices.
Ask yourself how important are holidays, sleeping in your own bed, getting up at 4 am a lot, flying all night with only a 30 minute nap in the afternoon, or stand-up overnights.
I'm an optomist, but can no longer recommend this career to the "somewhat interested"

7576FO,

Very well written.

When I started flying in 1990 the prospects of a lucrative career in this industry seemed much more plentiful than they do today. By todays standards the rewards seemed to have diminished in quantity while the sacrifices seem to have increased.

BTW, what's wrong with all-nighters? Us freight dogs thought flying at night is normal. :D

is flying freight that much different than flying for an airline? i dont really care about carrying people , or boxes i'd just like to eventually fly large jets one day. is the pay that much different?