SkyHigh

It seems like a lot of people are considering going back to school. I too have that on my mind. What to do.

SkyHigh

Ski Patrol

School teacher perhaps. Great lifestyle but can you afford the pay.

Rascal

If you can afford airline pilot pay then you can afford any pay!

Learflyer

I'm enrolled online to finish my undergrad (Criminal Justice with Homeland Security Emphasis). After that, i'm thinking MBA or MSW (Master's Social Work). Always keeping my ear to the tracks for a flying job though. This time, i'll spend my time wisely finishing my degree until things turn around again.

Cubdriver

My next degree would be a masters in aerospace engineering at Wichita State University, but I am not in any hurry... still burned-out and debt ridden from my last educational foray.

youneek28

Since this is the leaving the career forum, i'll ask. This industry will continue to go up and down so what is the plan for after it turns around and then turns around again, meaning its in the crapper again? Just wondering.

bryris

For me, this depends on many factors. Seniority is one of the first things to consider. Do you have seniority? For me, the answer was no. I had it, but so many were furloughed and downgraded, I lost it all. So for this downturn, it makes sense for me to to go back to school. If I hung it out, my seniority would climb VERY SLOWLY. As such, I could probably get off the train, go to school, then get back on in 2 years and still be about the same time distance from upgrading (already have the hours).

If I had some seniority, even on the FO side, then I "might" be more inclined to hang through the tough times.

I tell you though, I officially resigned from my regional a couple days ago and I haven't been so happy in a long time. I get to look forward to living a regular rooted life and sleeping in my own bed. I have a part time flight instructing job on the side for currency and pocket money. I flew 4 hours today with students. There is much dust on my flight instructor skills right now because I haven't really thought about the nuances of GA flying since I began working as an airline pilot.

cargo hopeful

Hey sky, I know you’re thinking about finance or accounting but would you ever consider something in the health field?

Learflyer

That's my point. I'll be better armed with my education to seek out other opportunities when another downturn occurs. Not sure if i'll ever go back to a flying job anyway just for this reason.

SkyHigh

I shy away from blood and guts however years ago I accidentally got a job as a county firefighter and did better than I thought I would. Sometimes I consider doing something like that. The pay and benefits are good. Demand is solid. You get to help others. Overall it is a great field to get into.

Skyhigh