put a fork in me
06-22-2008, 08:41 PM
#41
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: ATC
Posts: 56
I sort of left too. Couldn't handle less than 20k a year, nor the 12hour days, everyday. Not worth it. I now work as an air traffic controller in California. Good alternative I think, keeps me in it and am making 3 times what I did previously...which still is not that much but it's more than enough as I'm used to living on nothing. It's sometimes hard when you see airplanes flying around all day, especially the company you got hired at. Some days I know exactly the kind of day the crews are having and I'm fine with my decision. If I come across some magical flying job that's worth a damn...sign me up, but for now...I'm good.
06-23-2008, 10:49 AM
#42
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Posts: 62
Originally Posted by EYELS
When you leave the industry you'll probably second guess yourself for a while. But once you get a couple of years down the road you'll look back at your flying as work that, at one stage in your life, was quite enjoyable. But things never stay the same and life changes. So, be smart and adjust.
Think about how you won't miss, month after month, using an airport restroom every other time you go to the bathroom; sleeping regularly on beat-up mattresses; eating poorly, regardless of how hard you try not to; never having a consistent exercise routine; delays, wasted time, sitting on your butt, it never ends; being around hundreds and hundreds of people every day with all of the germs that go with it; not getting paid for the talent and responsibility that you have, etc, etc.
You'll come full circle back into flying someday -- maybe you'll own a new Skycatcher -- and at a level that's a rung or two higher than you are now.
You'll see. Good luck.
Think about how you won't miss, month after month, using an airport restroom every other time you go to the bathroom; sleeping regularly on beat-up mattresses; eating poorly, regardless of how hard you try not to; never having a consistent exercise routine; delays, wasted time, sitting on your butt, it never ends; being around hundreds and hundreds of people every day with all of the germs that go with it; not getting paid for the talent and responsibility that you have, etc, etc.
You'll come full circle back into flying someday -- maybe you'll own a new Skycatcher -- and at a level that's a rung or two higher than you are now.
You'll see. Good luck.
When I left aviation I was confident that it was "over". Funny thing is that I never got rid of my flight bag, books, etc. Every time I go into my crawl space I see all of them collecting dust, but I have never had the nerve to toss them out. It felt like a mission that was never finished, I guess.
I now find myself wanting back in, but haven't figured out the best angle to do that given my current situation. Maybe I will someday- who knows. I would love to complete that full-circle.
Two thoughts:
1. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
2. Aviation does not leave you even if you choose to leave it. Regardless of what you do for money you will always be a pilot.
06-23-2008, 04:41 PM
#43
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 440
Originally Posted by fatmike69
Yep, sadly this is true. I too am strongly considering going back to the tech industry. Working in cubeville aint very glamorous, but the $$$ is tremendously better and gaurunteed weekends/holidays off. I can hear it now: "Yeahhhhhhhh, you forgot the cover sheet for your TPS reports, did'ya get that memo?"
Good luck in your new/old job!
Good luck in your new/old job!
be extremely careful and be sure to play by the rules if you go back to cubeville. If you are serious, you may want to check out this video first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTAxbCKickw
btw, my favorite part is when Janice walks by.
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