Why do you like or dislike your job?
10-03-2008, 12:30 PM
#61
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: AA A320
Posts: 1,624
Position: Regional FO
Seniority: 72nd percentile in company, 50th percentile in seat, 40th percentile in base in seat
Pros
- I really don't work that hard
- I typically have 15 days off per month; at home
- I like not having a boss (in the classic sense) looking over my shoulder
- I live within 1 hour drive of my base
- PBS works well for me, I typically get the sked. I want
- I just like flying airplanes; kinda wish I didn't, but I do
- Upgrade in many years and make around reasonable coin
- I've traveled to more places than all my non-aviation friends combined
- I've met some great people
- Incredible views from the office
- River Visual 19
Cons
- Gonna be making $40k as an F/O for the foreseeable future
- Some captains are anal retentive A-holes (but I avoid most though PBS)
- Haven't found a girl that likes the pilot lifestyle too much
- Make one mistake and your career could be over
- Make one mistake and lots of people die
- Possibility of losing your medical and consequently ending your career
- Dirty hotels (most are alright though; Marriot, Hilton, Hampton, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza)
- General industry instability
- Almost all the F/A in my base are sky hags or f...
- The base near my home is super senior and I will not likely hold a CA slot there for 15+ years
- US Airways has the worst product in the industry and I am unfortunately part of that system
All in all, for the time being I am relatively happy. I have a B.S. degree in Finance and a
while ago I was considering a job outside aviation, but ultimately decided against it.
Seniority: 72nd percentile in company, 50th percentile in seat, 40th percentile in base in seat
Pros
- I really don't work that hard
- I typically have 15 days off per month; at home
- I like not having a boss (in the classic sense) looking over my shoulder
- I live within 1 hour drive of my base
- PBS works well for me, I typically get the sked. I want
- I just like flying airplanes; kinda wish I didn't, but I do
- Upgrade in many years and make around reasonable coin
- I've traveled to more places than all my non-aviation friends combined
- I've met some great people
- Incredible views from the office
- River Visual 19
Cons
- Gonna be making $40k as an F/O for the foreseeable future
- Some captains are anal retentive A-holes (but I avoid most though PBS)
- Haven't found a girl that likes the pilot lifestyle too much
- Make one mistake and your career could be over
- Make one mistake and lots of people die
- Possibility of losing your medical and consequently ending your career
- Dirty hotels (most are alright though; Marriot, Hilton, Hampton, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza)
- General industry instability
- Almost all the F/A in my base are sky hags or f...
- The base near my home is super senior and I will not likely hold a CA slot there for 15+ years
- US Airways has the worst product in the industry and I am unfortunately part of that system
All in all, for the time being I am relatively happy. I have a B.S. degree in Finance and a
while ago I was considering a job outside aviation, but ultimately decided against it.
Last edited by KiloAlpha; 10-03-2008 at 12:37 PM.
10-03-2008, 12:34 PM
#62
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,258
Originally Posted by frieswiththat
I like my job because....
1. See all of the above by CAPTAIN152
2. Being part of the "system" and the complete satisfaction of a job well done after every flight
3. Jumpseat / non-rev benefits
4. I'm losing weight! (Colgan diet plan)
I dislike my job because....
1. The pay is ridiculously low
2. I have to wear a hat that never seems to fit my head and looks dorky
3. Captains that moan and whine about everything (the majority are great though)
4. Delays by certain rampers or other incompetent people that could be completely avoided
1. See all of the above by CAPTAIN152
2. Being part of the "system" and the complete satisfaction of a job well done after every flight
3. Jumpseat / non-rev benefits
4. I'm losing weight! (Colgan diet plan)
I dislike my job because....
1. The pay is ridiculously low
2. I have to wear a hat that never seems to fit my head and looks dorky
3. Captains that moan and whine about everything (the majority are great though)
4. Delays by certain rampers or other incompetent people that could be completely avoided
The jumpseating privilege is amazing ... without it I'm really not sure how I would be able to do this job since my girlfriend is in OK and I live in Dallas, and am based in IAH ... it gets rough sometimes, lol
10-03-2008, 05:21 PM
#63
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Posts: 25
Originally Posted by captain152
no matter how many times you do the exact same flight, it's ALWAYS different
10-04-2008, 01:38 PM
#64
Line Holder
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Position: Right
Posts: 55
So for those who have been in the classic "Office job" to those who fly for a regional, would you say the airline path was worth it despite all the negatives? I just got my private cert. and am working on the rest of my ratings and have loved it so far. But, I am seriously considering backing out on this whole airline thing hearing all the news about the economy, gas prices, QOL for regional FO's, etc.
I don't want to end up being miserable at a regional with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. But, I certainly don't want to end up like Peter Gibbons in Office Space.
I don't want to end up being miserable at a regional with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. But, I certainly don't want to end up like Peter Gibbons in Office Space.
10-04-2008, 03:16 PM
#65
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Position: Student Pilot
Posts: 849
Originally Posted by Airframe
But, I certainly don't want to end up like Peter Gibbons in Office Space.
I have to admit though, if I had never become a professional pilot, I think I would've always had that longing feeling every time I got on an airliner. It's just unfortunate that the industry is so terrible. I was jumpseating on DAL mainline last week, the captain told me, "the job is great, but the industry sucks. after 20 years, it's the same old BS."
Last edited by kalyx522; 10-04-2008 at 03:23 PM.
10-04-2008, 08:41 PM
#66
Gets EVERY weekend off
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: SIC
Posts: 1,367
I guess i love all the things that everyone else does. My one gripe is mainly with myself. I wish i'd traveled more. Was an odd predicament, i was an FO, had a "decent" amount of time off (enough to go places) but no $$, then on top of that, i always pictured myself stuck in some foreign country, without the ability to get back, and unsure how to "do it". I upgraded, made the $$ that would be necessary to go somewhere, but no longer had all that free time. Now, i'm finally downgraded, have the free time again, but once again, no money....trying to work this out though.
About a month ago, i did an interview that would get me out of the industry. I'm in the "wait to hear" category (which is where everyone else is also), so, now, i'm thinking my days at the airlines MIGHT be numbered, and if so, i don't want to make the same mistake twice, so...the wifey and I are going traveling.
So the likes:
Jumpseating
Travel Perks
Flying my little not-shiny jet
Beautiful BTV or ROA
Time at home
Dislikes:
Industry Instability
Time away from home
Lousy FO pay, marginally better CA pay
Crappy Hotels
Crew Scheduling (only a problem on reserve)
Being downgraded
The industry instability is at the top of the list because it causes so many other problems. The job i'm looking at doing is a govt. gig in the defense world and as such has a pretty stable outlook. The pay is good, and you're home every night, and unlike with the regionals, when i bought my home i wasn't thinking "what can i afford" i was thinking "what can i afford on an FO salary in case i get downgraded or a furlough comes up, or i MAKE IT to a major, and make 30k a year for a year". I've always been one to try and save $ when i can, but i didn't want to be the guy who needed to save 40-50k so he could survive 1st year major pay all over again. Neway, to each his own, gotta love flying my plane though...or, the other guys' plane i guess.
About a month ago, i did an interview that would get me out of the industry. I'm in the "wait to hear" category (which is where everyone else is also), so, now, i'm thinking my days at the airlines MIGHT be numbered, and if so, i don't want to make the same mistake twice, so...the wifey and I are going traveling.
So the likes:
Jumpseating
Travel Perks
Flying my little not-shiny jet
Beautiful BTV or ROA
Time at home
Dislikes:
Industry Instability
Time away from home
Lousy FO pay, marginally better CA pay
Crappy Hotels
Crew Scheduling (only a problem on reserve)
Being downgraded
The industry instability is at the top of the list because it causes so many other problems. The job i'm looking at doing is a govt. gig in the defense world and as such has a pretty stable outlook. The pay is good, and you're home every night, and unlike with the regionals, when i bought my home i wasn't thinking "what can i afford" i was thinking "what can i afford on an FO salary in case i get downgraded or a furlough comes up, or i MAKE IT to a major, and make 30k a year for a year". I've always been one to try and save $ when i can, but i didn't want to be the guy who needed to save 40-50k so he could survive 1st year major pay all over again. Neway, to each his own, gotta love flying my plane though...or, the other guys' plane i guess.
10-10-2008, 09:22 PM
#68
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: Enjoying the view
Posts: 407
Well, after all of the great feedback from you guys, I am convinced that I need to do two things for my own well-being and sanity:
1. Finish my "agreement" to stay on as an instructor until March. I'll be lucky if the market improves even by then.
2. Finish my MBA. Everyone needs a "Plan B".
3. Get a real flying job when the market turns around. Despite all of the negatives, if I don't ever do it, I know I will always have that pit in my stomach when I listen to that Gulfstream thunder off toward a corner of the world that I haven't seen yet...
When I was working on BAI with another student in the Duchess yesterday I looked out the window and remembered why I am doing this - I LOVE FLYING!!
Thanks guys.
1. Finish my "agreement" to stay on as an instructor until March. I'll be lucky if the market improves even by then.
2. Finish my MBA. Everyone needs a "Plan B".
3. Get a real flying job when the market turns around. Despite all of the negatives, if I don't ever do it, I know I will always have that pit in my stomach when I listen to that Gulfstream thunder off toward a corner of the world that I haven't seen yet...
When I was working on BAI with another student in the Duchess yesterday I looked out the window and remembered why I am doing this - I LOVE FLYING!!
Thanks guys.
10-11-2008, 08:07 PM
#69
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: Boeing
Posts: 89
I can't offer much that hasn't already been said. On the airline level the job has been mostly guttted of anything resembling a job worth having. Personally I think you are totally nuts to head down the pilot road but in the end, seems like you need to see if for yourself so if you must, here is my take.
I have had some great jobs and loads of fun on the journey towards my current major airline job. Flying in many corners of the world in little airplanes, the classic Twin Beech, a loud gas guzzling jurasic jet, flying for a celebrity, being a crop duster, flying for a regional in the most amazing part of the country, living and flying overseas. Now I work for a major and although I don't quite hate it, it is definitely the worst flying job I've had.
Point is, find what works for you and don't get too wrapped up in looking to the next big gig. Only work for companies with values you share (ie, treating people well, common sense, fair pay, adventure, respect, planning for the future) and don't get swept up with the shiney jet thing and you have a better chance of finding your zen.
I read this little story once and I'll paraphrase....
Guy is flying out of a grass strip in his Cub. It's hot, sweaty, loud, he sees a 737 contrail overhead...thinks to himself, "that has got to be the job there, jet engines, air conditioning, flight attendants, a real sweet ride. I can't wait to fly a jet.
The 737 is encountering moderate turbulence and the pilots are busy reading their contract to determine the legality of flying this, the 3rd long day in as many, the passengers are vomitting and the FA's refuse to feed them. The CA looks out the window and see's the Concorde gliding overhead and says, now that's what we need to be doing, 3 hours to LHR, above the weather at Mach 2. What a sweet ride.
The radiation detector is malfunctioning and the temperature of the wing is about to exceed limits. It's the 5th atlantic crossing in as many days for the crew and they.....the CA looks out the window and sees the space shuttle quietly gliding overhead. He says to the crew, now that is the job to have....
The astronauts are looking out the window with a telescope at the earth passing below and one sees a Piper Cub landing on a grass strip. Says to the mission commander, man, remember when we just flew a cub around our back yard.....
I have had some great jobs and loads of fun on the journey towards my current major airline job. Flying in many corners of the world in little airplanes, the classic Twin Beech, a loud gas guzzling jurasic jet, flying for a celebrity, being a crop duster, flying for a regional in the most amazing part of the country, living and flying overseas. Now I work for a major and although I don't quite hate it, it is definitely the worst flying job I've had.
Point is, find what works for you and don't get too wrapped up in looking to the next big gig. Only work for companies with values you share (ie, treating people well, common sense, fair pay, adventure, respect, planning for the future) and don't get swept up with the shiney jet thing and you have a better chance of finding your zen.
I read this little story once and I'll paraphrase....
Guy is flying out of a grass strip in his Cub. It's hot, sweaty, loud, he sees a 737 contrail overhead...thinks to himself, "that has got to be the job there, jet engines, air conditioning, flight attendants, a real sweet ride. I can't wait to fly a jet.
The 737 is encountering moderate turbulence and the pilots are busy reading their contract to determine the legality of flying this, the 3rd long day in as many, the passengers are vomitting and the FA's refuse to feed them. The CA looks out the window and see's the Concorde gliding overhead and says, now that's what we need to be doing, 3 hours to LHR, above the weather at Mach 2. What a sweet ride.
The radiation detector is malfunctioning and the temperature of the wing is about to exceed limits. It's the 5th atlantic crossing in as many days for the crew and they.....the CA looks out the window and sees the space shuttle quietly gliding overhead. He says to the crew, now that is the job to have....
The astronauts are looking out the window with a telescope at the earth passing below and one sees a Piper Cub landing on a grass strip. Says to the mission commander, man, remember when we just flew a cub around our back yard.....
10-11-2008, 08:14 PM
#70
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: Enjoying the view
Posts: 407
Yes, I will always love general aviation. As another pilot on this forum said, I really enjoy pointing an aircraft where I want it to go, not just where my employer wants me to go.
I am old enough to know that the grass is usually not greener on the other side of the fence. But I am still curious. I still want to do it. I have dreamed of flying for the airlines since I was 8 years old. I'm about to turn 34. If I don't do it soon, I know I will regret it. I can always go back to management. It's not so easy to get "back into" the airlines.
Thanks for the great post!
I am old enough to know that the grass is usually not greener on the other side of the fence. But I am still curious. I still want to do it. I have dreamed of flying for the airlines since I was 8 years old. I'm about to turn 34. If I don't do it soon, I know I will regret it. I can always go back to management. It's not so easy to get "back into" the airlines.
Thanks for the great post!
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