OntheMissed

Not to mention if one of those nurses finds herself changing employers for whatever reason, the experience that she's gained over the years is still worth something. She doesn't have to go back to year one, day one pay.

Also, I guarantee that if that same nurse is on duty for 12 hours in a day, she gets paid for every minute of her time. (Minus her lunch of course)

TonyMontana

Guys, don't discount Nursing-we have Nurses at our facility that make over six figures and only work 3 days a week.

here's how FASTAFF Travel Nursing Employment Travel Nurse Job Travel Nurse Agency Traveling RN Company Nursing Positions

kalyx522

I've been wondering these very things for the past few months.
I've put so much effort and time and money(!) into becoming a pilot, and I feel like getting out now just sums up to giving up. But then I ask myself, is it being practical (cutting losses), or is it giving up?
The flying has never been an issue.. it's just all the other parts of the job.. frequently working 14-15 hours a day and getting paid for 6.. getting jerked around constantly by the company, the realization that I am letting this abuse happen to me instead of taking control (and getting out of it).. the commuting.. god I hate commuting.. the reality that I may work hard at a regional for years but never advance (be it to a major, a fractional, etc.)
and, like some others have mentioned above.. I ask myself how I would feel a few years down the line.. especially when I see that my current coworkers had stuck it out and advanced in their airline careers... wondering what could have been for me, too.

Wash out

Hello all. I am posting for the first time because this topic is very real for me right now, and I'd like to throw in my 2 cents. I have been a pilot for 19 years and a 121 FO for nearly a year. What I thought was my dream has turned out very bad for me. Some folks adapt really well. I have become depressed and rarely sleep more than 4 hours a night. Lots to worry about. House payments, commuting, lack of good family time with my wife and son, no clear path to getting where I want to be with this career. Maybe I just started out too late at 35. I reasonably sure that this week, I'm resigning and will try to resume a normal life again.

Rnav

Hey Fellas/gals,

I don't think its considered washing out/failing at all if you leave. I don't know any other industry where you get paid for 2 hours(think a really short turn) and are expected to sit ready reserve at the airport for 8? Thats all time at work away from your family or friends.

The airlines know that we as pilots are dedicated, hard working and willing to sacrifice all for the love of the flying job. Hence, they continue to abuse the crews and their willingness to go through hell and high water to get the job done.

In 20 years after your careers is over, I'm sure its great if I could've said I flew the 777. But it would be greater to have memories of my friends and family. For now I'm happy that I did get to fly the ERJ and will be content with that. Talk to enough Capts. and you'll know what a roller coaster ride an airline carrier can be.

Good luck and happy flying to anyone who sticks it out. Your a better professional aviator than me if you do. But I'll take the dad of the year award over that anyday...


PS. Sorry in advance if this post seems negative in tone. I know happy aviator's don't like hearing anything negative about the pilot profession <sarcasm>

SkyHigh

In a few years after leaving the profession maybe you could treat yourself to a 777 type?

Personally I think it would be fun to get a new type rating every two years instead of a BFR. And, it would be a great way to stay professionally proficient. It also could satisfy a bit of the big jet bug at the same time.

Just a thought...

Years ago I took my baby sons to a free fly-in demonstrator show of new planes. I saw a bunch of guys who were in their low 30's and all had their brand new planes on display. I asked each one what they did for a living and got many surprising responses. At the same time I was working as a full time 757 FO and could hardly afford to buy lunch for my family and these guys were blowing off a Saturday morning in their 300K toys. On that day I knew I was in the wrong profession.

SkyHigh

TonyMontana

You guys are missing the point-we didn't fail in this career, the career failed us. Stop beating yourself up over it, make a command decision to guide your own future-and press on in that new, and better direction. You and your families will be much better off for it.

Rnav

That's a very good point Tony. Too bad this industry does that after all the hard work we've all put into building our hours, training and sacrifice. Your right it let us down, we succeeded in conditions that most(and many have) even failed to achieve.

OntheMissed

That's a great point. My goal was to be an airline pilot. I did what I had to do to get here. I was successful in my goal. The goal just isn't what I thought it would be.

I like how you put it. We didn't fail in our career, the career failed us.

Hey sky high, do you live in the Northwest? Just curious because of your Horizon air time

Easymoney

Rnav, Hey bro all the best to you. I feel your pain and am also ready to call FUBAR on this entire career choice. May have already cost me my marriage. Too high a price. All the best to my winged brothers and sisters.