$300,000 or pilot job????
07-17-2008, 05:16 PM
#21
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Posts: 50
Originally Posted by de727ups
"my question to you all is what would you do? knowing what you know now as commercial pilots..."
Here's a thought. Go find an optometry forum and see what they say. Wouldn't be surprised if they say it sucks and you should look into flying....
Also, see what your father thinks about you being the next him. I mean, if you would eventually take over the successful business he already built it might be a pretty good deal for you.
Here's a thought. Go find an optometry forum and see what they say. Wouldn't be surprised if they say it sucks and you should look into flying....
Also, see what your father thinks about you being the next him. I mean, if you would eventually take over the successful business he already built it might be a pretty good deal for you.
well, he still has 15 more years left before he retires. he will end up either selling the practice off or just continue to own it till he dies, while other doctors work for him. the big money in optometry is made by owning a private practice. so i would probably have to work for him for a few years to save up/pay off loans and then eventually start my own practice.
here is the problem i am facing...
optometrist= over $200,000 in debt for school. 7 yrs before i start making money. starting pay is around 80K.
Pilot= 7 yrs from now i could very well be making 80K. although it is a gamble. not a sure bet like being an OD. but be doing the career that i have always wanted to do. only 30K in debt.
07-17-2008, 05:28 PM
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
"haha i actually have read a few optometry forums...and it is all doom and gloom just like this one! funny isnt it."
Welp...guess that should tell ya something. I've never been outside aviation forums, so it's interesting that you say that.
Welp...guess that should tell ya something. I've never been outside aviation forums, so it's interesting that you say that.
07-17-2008, 05:55 PM
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: the correct seat
Posts: 1,422
Originally Posted by de727ups
"haha i actually have read a few optometry forums...and it is all doom and gloom just like this one! funny isnt it."
Welp...guess that should tell ya something. I've never been outside aviation forums, so it's interesting that you say that.
Welp...guess that should tell ya something. I've never been outside aviation forums, so it's interesting that you say that.
07-17-2008, 06:18 PM
#24
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Its funny
Originally Posted by Senior Skipper
I've read other career forums. The doom isn't the same, and the gloom is different, but they're VERY much still there.
Skyhigh
07-17-2008, 06:25 PM
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: S2c Backseat
Posts: 175
Originally Posted by SkyHigh
I have noticed that most every profession has its gripes however most others get to complain in a nice house with well funded 401K. However they still complain.
Skyhigh
Skyhigh
*****ing is an all-American pastime. Some people would ***** about counting money and getting to keep it.
Glad I don't have to ***** about not being able to pay a light bill anymore.
Actually, I thank God every day for it.
07-18-2008, 08:07 AM
#26
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Posts: 62
Originally Posted by wordfromthewise
thats actually some good advice. the reason why i didnt want to to do that is because why add more debt to the flying gig if i might not end up pursuing it. but...now that i think about it a little more. not a bad idea.
thanks a ton for the comments and advice guys. this is going to be the toughest decision of my life.
thanks a ton for the comments and advice guys. this is going to be the toughest decision of my life.
If you can't make a decision as to what direction to go, then don't! I think that it's ridiculous that our society requires us to make a "career decision" at such a young age. I sure couldn't tell you what I wanted to do for the rest of my life (or at least the next 50 years) when I was 17. My interests included woman and booze. That's it. I'm sure my high school counselor loved me!!
07-18-2008, 09:01 AM
#27
Banned
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: A-320
Posts: 6,929
Originally Posted by Spooled
Being a pilot is not as glorious as it once was.
The days of being 35 and rolling in $150K + are over. Now its more like being 35 and on the street furloughed or 35 and making $50k as a regional captain.
The days of being 35 and rolling in $150K + are over. Now its more like being 35 and on the street furloughed or 35 and making $50k as a regional captain.
07-18-2008, 09:21 AM
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: El Capitan
Posts: 149
Originally Posted by wordfromthewise
haha i actually have read a few optometry forums...and it is all doom and gloom just like this one! funny isnt it.
well, he still has 15 more years left before he retires. he will end up either selling the practice off or just continue to own it till he dies, while other doctors work for him. the big money in optometry is made by owning a private practice. so i would probably have to work for him for a few years to save up/pay off loans and then eventually start my own practice.
here is the problem i am facing...
optometrist= over $200,000 in debt for school. 7 yrs before i start making money. starting pay is around 80K.
Pilot= 7 yrs from now i could very well be making 80K. although it is a gamble. not a sure bet like being an OD. but be doing the career that i have always wanted to do. only 30K in debt.
well, he still has 15 more years left before he retires. he will end up either selling the practice off or just continue to own it till he dies, while other doctors work for him. the big money in optometry is made by owning a private practice. so i would probably have to work for him for a few years to save up/pay off loans and then eventually start my own practice.
here is the problem i am facing...
optometrist= over $200,000 in debt for school. 7 yrs before i start making money. starting pay is around 80K.
Pilot= 7 yrs from now i could very well be making 80K. although it is a gamble. not a sure bet like being an OD. but be doing the career that i have always wanted to do. only 30K in debt.
But as a pilot you'll top out far less than an OD, and have to work away from home. I would probably bet that you and your old man could work something out where you would beat the schedule you have posted above in regards to money.
There's also something to be said for sleeping at home with your old lady every night, with your kids close (I know your not there yet, but it will be a factor one day).
07-18-2008, 01:50 PM
#29
Banned
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: A-320
Posts: 6,929
Originally Posted by Swass
But as a pilot you'll top out far less than an OD, and have to work away from home. I would probably bet that you and your old man could work something out where you would beat the schedule you have posted above in regards to money.
There's also something to be said for sleeping at home with your old lady every night, with your kids close (I know your not there yet, but it will be a factor one day).
There's also something to be said for sleeping at home with your old lady every night, with your kids close (I know your not there yet, but it will be a factor one day).
Money money money, how about the time off
07-18-2008, 01:52 PM
#30
Banned
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: A-320
Posts: 6,929
Originally Posted by TonyMontana
*****ing is an all-American pastime. Some people would ***** about counting money and getting to keep it.
Glad I don't have to ***** about not being able to pay a light bill anymore.
Actually, I thank God every day for it.
Glad I don't have to ***** about not being able to pay a light bill anymore.
Actually, I thank God every day for it.
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