buffalopilot

Am i the only one thinking of quitting this industry and moving on? It seems like 1 step forward and 1 back. As a regional FO, money will be a long way off now!!

johnso29

You are most likely NOT alone now.

fatmike69

I think about it every day, and get closer and closer to actually quitting every day. Doesn't seem like a whole lot of positives await us in this industry down the road. The wife seems to be getting less and less supportive of me working here (raising children wouldn't be easy with this lifestyle), not to mention I would like to make some real money eventually, and doesn't seem like it will happen in this industry.

That being said, I did just recently upgrade and am flying from the left seat now, so I will probably stick it out just a while longer to get some PIC time (never hurts to have it). I realize I am lucky in this regard, I could have EASILY been somewhere else pondering if I will be furloughed or not, not to mention being stuck in the right seat for god knows how long. I still enjoy flying airplanes at least, and it is nice not to have a boss looking over my shoulder. But at some point, I probably will end up back in the tech industry.

TurboDog

You're definitely not alone. I am just shy of an upgrade, but the reality of never seeing it is really starting to set in. I've been at Comair for 5 years and even if I do get an upgrade in the next 3 years, it will just be to sit on reserve for the next 3 or 4 years after that unless there is another hiring boom at the Majos. I don't see that happening anytime soon either. If I could find a non-flying job still in the aviation industry that pays well, I would definitely consider it.

Spooled

I'm with you! I'm very close to quitting. I'm getting sick of the lifestyle and horrible pay.

I have a few more months in me. Resume is being sent out.

DANCRJ

You're not alone. I'm seriously considering overseas. Being a PNCL guy there's nothing to look forward now. Sucking up for the quick upgrade, 1000 T PIC and jumping to a major is only a fairy tell these days. I can always come back, but right now if my QOL sucks, it could suck overseas, but I'll be making some serious $. Things will get better here in the states, but first, they'll get worst, we haven't even hit rock bottom. I can always come back........

Starlifter

I can only speak for Europe, yes you can make more money but you can be sure you will spend heaps more as the cost of living is much higher. For example, My gas bill for the car is about $550 per month. I'm an American flying for CSA for the last 3 years and have been working in Europe for 8 years. I have been watching costs shoot straight up. Also, things are getting difficult here too with airlines. Perhaps not as quick as the US, but rumors are brewing that his Fall could become very interesting for many many carriers. Our hedges run out Jan 1... there could be a boatload of well qualified guys looking for work with JAR licenses and EU rights to work.

Spongebob

Not alone... I was lucky enough to have a previous employer (from in-between flying gigs) make a good offer (w/a raise) in order to get me back for a couple projects that were in their pipeline. Needless to say, I jumped without thinking twice!

As much as I enjoyed the flying...I keep thinking of Mel Gibson in Braveheart as he's getting his 'nads sliced on the table when he yells "FREEEEEDOM!".

aFflIgHt

I've been thinking ATC -- too late after 30

JoeyMeatballs

Guys I have posted a thread like this a few months ago, I want to share my feelings .

Life is hard, Life is not fair, Life is also long. We have COMPLETE control in the fact that we can go find another job tomorrow. I know it is easier said then done, but the reality is you can find a job that will pay as much as a Regional CA & FO, almost anywhere now a days. The glory of the job is long gone, but the people remain the same. I LOVE being an airline pilot. I love the ****ty ERJ 145, I love NY controllers and I love landing in a 40kt crosswind. Being a Mortgage broker was the best career a few years ago, now look at it. Working on Wall St may seem appealing but its 7 days a week and more stressful then 121 flying will ever be, not to mention the low-life back stabbing scum you will work with (much like SCABS and GoJET pilots). Our country is in a world of hurt right now and seems like the OIL business is the only good industry to be in. I say don't give up just yet! Hard times will come and go, stick it out and do your part to try and make things better.

My sister is a lawyer, makes good money but is miserable, I make no money and am only miserable half the time, haha. Do what you have to do, but know that wherever you end up in life you will look back and miss breaking out of a layer to a setting sun out west, or the feeling of making a great x-wind landing, or the time you and your CA got a really good deal on some "entertainment" in Gaudalajera Mexico, and laugh about it the whole leg back in the morning.

The point of my rambling is when you think your life cant get any worse or your job cant get any crappier...................chances are it/they will, but doesn't mean you have to give up, Every Industry has its ups and downs, unfortunately the incompetent Execs at airlines are doing a better job of making this industry less stable then any other. Stand tall and fight the good fight. Leave the industry if you have to, but be very very careful because things can and will turn around, and when they do, do you want to be in a cubicle? <-----Even if that cubicle makes you a lot of money, usually all the money in the world cant make people happy.....