Physician wants to change careers
02-13-2008, 05:30 PM
#11
New boss = Old boss
Joined APC: Mar 2005
Position: Ca B737
Posts: 2,762
Originally Posted by Exdoc
I really appreciate the comments/input. Just so you all know I am not barely making the money you think I maybe making. I'm having trouble passing my boards and with that my career may end (Yes, insurance companies that you sign up with to see their patients, give you a limited time frame to become certified, otherwise they wont let you see their policyholders. As a specialist, I can't practice 'general medicine' cause you wont be able to get malpractice insurance for that. In any event, I''ll take that cold shower and wait a bit longer.
02-14-2008, 12:30 PM
#13
Flying Farmer
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
Originally Posted by daytonaflyer
I couldn't recommend changing careers to airline pilot.
5 years is possible, but highly improbable. Most people will take 10 years to make $80K+.
You can plan on a year getting your licenses.
Another year+ building flight time.
Another 2 to 4 years as FO making $20K to 40K
Another 2 to 3 years as captain at a regional making $50K to 65K
Finally get hired by a large airline and go back to $30K to 35K as FO.
Finally make 80K+ after 3 or 4 years at the large airline.
5 years is possible, but highly improbable. Most people will take 10 years to make $80K+.
You can plan on a year getting your licenses.
Another year+ building flight time.
Another 2 to 4 years as FO making $20K to 40K
Another 2 to 3 years as captain at a regional making $50K to 65K
Finally get hired by a large airline and go back to $30K to 35K as FO.
Finally make 80K+ after 3 or 4 years at the large airline.
I'd personally say get your ratings as you're working your current job, see if you even like flying, go from there. Keep the stable income, use the hobby to keep you sane!
02-14-2008, 02:37 PM
#14
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: the correct seat
Posts: 1,422
Hi Exdoc,
I absolutely hate when people say "go buy yourself a small plane". Many times they don't realize 2 things:
1. The average doctor doesn't make tons of money any more
2. Some people won't be content flying little planes. We need the heavy metal.
I'd say go get your PPL, then your instrument rating. Those will benefit you if you decide to fly light aircraft only. If you still feel the need to fly big jets, you can continue up the ladder, but that's a good start.
PS. I'd like to send you a private message, but I think you need at least 10 posts first. Bump up your post count so we can talk
I absolutely hate when people say "go buy yourself a small plane". Many times they don't realize 2 things:
1. The average doctor doesn't make tons of money any more
2. Some people won't be content flying little planes. We need the heavy metal.
I'd say go get your PPL, then your instrument rating. Those will benefit you if you decide to fly light aircraft only. If you still feel the need to fly big jets, you can continue up the ladder, but that's a good start.
PS. I'd like to send you a private message, but I think you need at least 10 posts first. Bump up your post count so we can talk
02-17-2008, 02:10 PM
#15
On Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Posts: 13
It's amazing how many of you talk about the poor treatment from management, and that is scary. But for those of us that are considering the career change, please remember, there is plenty of poor treatment in office jobs as well, so there isn't much difference.
02-17-2008, 03:32 PM
#16
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Posts: 78
Exdoc,
My wife left medicine after 10 years as a solo practice OBGYN. She was tired of fighting with insurance companies, nutty patients and lazy employees. I'm sure you can relate!
Depending on the speciality you currently practice, make sure you purchase tail end insurance coverage before you leave the profession. This was her big mistake. After she felt intellectually weak after only two years of "retirement" she was keen to re-enter medicine again. We had a hard time getting malpractice coverage because we did not have the tail coverage. I can not stress this enough!
Have you looked into Locum Tenens positions?
EAHINC
My wife left medicine after 10 years as a solo practice OBGYN. She was tired of fighting with insurance companies, nutty patients and lazy employees. I'm sure you can relate!
Depending on the speciality you currently practice, make sure you purchase tail end insurance coverage before you leave the profession. This was her big mistake. After she felt intellectually weak after only two years of "retirement" she was keen to re-enter medicine again. We had a hard time getting malpractice coverage because we did not have the tail coverage. I can not stress this enough!
Have you looked into Locum Tenens positions?
EAHINC
02-17-2008, 05:02 PM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: Couch-Horizontal
Posts: 467
Why don't you do this. Take $200.........ball it up and flush it down the toilet...............then have your wife kick you in the balls..........then sit back and think about how that just felt. If it felt ok, then by all means get into aviation now. If not, keep taking care of those patients.
02-20-2008, 09:23 AM
#19
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,410
Well you may be in demand with all the 60 plus guys flying around now. Seriously its a hit and miss profession with boom and bust cycles. If you spend a long time doing it you may go through a few furloughs. Every job you start will be on first year pay and bottom seniority.
You could probably find a good niche at the right corporate outfit. Having friends in the right places really can make a difference.
You could probably find a good niche at the right corporate outfit. Having friends in the right places really can make a difference.
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