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Why I Left a Pilot Career Worth $8.3 Million

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Why I Left a Pilot Career Worth $8.3 Million

Old 08-20-2019, 11:08 AM
  #51  
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I feel like this is the reason so many pilots are engaged in side hustles. In my case it was driven by not only boredom, but the 'have a plan B' that all of the older, grayer pilots always warn you about.

Saying that the airlines are generally more secure jobs doesn't fit well with history, as the airlines are more volatile industries than most. They are highly impacted by economic downturns and oil prices and if you're out of work, there are few ways to transfer skills, as I discovered first-hand.
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Old 08-21-2019, 08:46 AM
  #52  
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Originally Posted by GoldenGooseGuy View Post
I feel like this is the reason so many pilots are engaged in side hustles. In my case it was driven by not only boredom, but the 'have a plan B' that all of the older, grayer pilots always warn you about.

Saying that the airlines are generally more secure jobs doesn't fit well with history, as the airlines are more volatile industries than most. They are highly impacted by economic downturns and oil prices and if you're out of work, there are few ways to transfer skills, as I discovered first-hand.
Except now we are in an early 1960's shortage of pilots as industry faces growth and significant retirements. Look at all the incentives for pilots these days. Vastly different than when you and me started. started. Outlook remains stable with retirements alone.
I really don't get bored, our company is constantly changing the operational requirements. Changes in the electronic world means literally daily changes. Go stale, don't stay engaged, will lose on the line. Very different from even when you left the industry.
Also, have friends bored in non aviation jobs, but must grind through 5+ days a week with little to no time to have the opportunity to do something on the side for additional enjoyment or plan B.
Again, glad you found a new path. Know a few others that have left, but majority enjoy the present opportunities and face same grind many others do in daily jobs outside of flying. Flying is had these days with software designed efficient scheduling, but still have opportunities for other interests. Mixed bag for sure, I'm not encouraging anyone to stay, but a few that did leave that know personally came back after dealing with the office world. (Were not entrepreneurs or own business owners)
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Old 08-21-2019, 12:41 PM
  #53  
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I would rather take a moderately severe beating than be someone else’s financial advisor. All of the blame and a small fraction of the gain. Not for me.

YMMV (and hopefully it does)
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Old 08-24-2019, 11:32 AM
  #54  
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I'm not in this section because I'm thinking of leaving, but it's interesting to see other perspectives. I'm reminded of an old AF guy I knew that dogged the airlines and how terrible it was. I asked him where he got info since he's a full time reservist. Of course all his info came from a few buddies that lived on the west coast and commuted to the east coast...mostly on reserve. For a little balance talk to guys who live in base and if this base closes, the airline is likely closing as well lol. It is true that living in base is like an entirely different job. I've never had so much time off in my life and have only spent 45 nights away so far this year. 10 of those nights were voluntary as I wanted those overnights for travel purposes. For reference, I sit at 90% in my seat (WB FO) and if I so choose, I can bid a line every month. Reserve goes senior as we have lots of people who live in base...and it's a good life. All that said, I certainly see why some choose to leave based off their experiences. Though I worked hard to get here, I'll always admit that I've been very fortunate in my career.

I appreciate the perspective of other options, especially in the event of loss of medical. Thankfully our disability is pretty nice and would give ample time to figure out what's next. While I don't dwell on it, loss of medical is a real threat. I'm always looking at options for side hustles that could be easily and relatively quickly grown into a full time gigs.
Though it comes with is advantages/disadvantages, real estate has been a nice option because easily do it with all the off time the airlines provide. Right now, it's more of a long term investment, but worst case, I could easily turn it into cash flow to live on. There are a few other options I'm exploring as well...multiple streams of income are always nice to have. Even better if they can be (mostly) passive, or done from a phone/computer.

I'm gald the OP has found a happier calling. Good stuff!
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Old 08-25-2019, 07:48 AM
  #55  
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I had a friend who left from a good airline. When I asked him why he said the commute was killing him. I asked why he did not move to a base and he said he did not want to move. New job was a 1000 mile move with two follow on moves!
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Old 10-20-2019, 12:14 PM
  #56  
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a lot of interesting points of views in this thread.
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