What else can we do?
 

So after 12 years in the industry I am thinking I am done, gonna say 'no' to the recall but I can't figure out for the life of me what else I can do?! I put in for the FAA as a long shot but after a year heard nothing back. I have a BS in psychology, and thats all it is, BS. Aside from McD's of Home Depot what else can highly qualified pilots (but low qualified in everything else) do?? :confused:

You can wait for the next PUBNAT to open for ATC. They make decent money and would probably be pretty rewarding.

Make lists
 

Write out a list of every job you have ever had. Then write out a list of all your skills. Accumulate a contact sheet of every friend, relative, class mate, old friend, ex-employer you can think of and start making calls. Consider going back to school or starting a business.

In my experience most employers outside of aviation shy away from pilots. Create a new resume that does not mention aviation very much. Feature your other skills and past jobs as experience. List your airline jobs but I would consider leaving out the word "pilot" and use manager or something else. Defiantly remove any mention about flight times. licenses and ratings.

Hopefully by going through these exercises a career or plan will begin to stand out. usually it is something that is right under your nose. It is a long haul to start over after being a pilot.



SKyhigh

back to school.

Look Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

There should be information in your local unemployment office.

It'll pay for $6000 for retraining. I.T. Medical (there was even aviation on the list... Go fig)

You have to jump through a few hoops, but, that's government.

WIA is a great source to get technical training. I used that funding to pay for my CFI...they paid $4000. It varies depending on the state, not necessarily $6000, but it could be.

WIA

I'm looking at nursing. 2 years at the most, if you have a degree with science courses you can knock down the time substantially. I should complete in a little more than a year.

WIA is paying for all of it, gas to/from school and you can work some other grants for cash on the side.

nursing starts in most locations at 25/hr, once you complete first year clinical's many locations will pick you up at 14-16/hr.

in PA they offer 8K for the program (gas/bus/train on top of that). One other thing.. 1st day paper work to acceptance was slightly more than 2 weeks. Certain programs they can do quicker (in days). PA does not allow aviation training unless you show up with a letter from an employer that states with X type rating we will hire this person.

I tried WIA where I live, I was told I was too educated and stable to qualify.
I literally needed to go out and become a homeless single parent to get looked at. AND they told me that none of the programs would qualify for me because I had to make a % of what I was making as a pilot and they didn't offer anything that paid that much!!! Ignorant jerks. :rolleyes:

you should try a different office location. Back after 9/11 I was denied also for similar BS reasons. I did not pursue it further (a regret of mine) and took it as fact while I watched a bunch of others around me get types in the bus and 73.

this time, I went in and basically told them there are NO jobs and I need to change careers. They told me WIA was an option provided i picked a job/training that was in need and I would accept that salary. Basically, they are not going to pay to train you if you have no plans of doing that profession. I hate to say it, but you have to tell them what they want to hear. As others stated, a little hoop jumping, but once you are in that is all that matters.

Judging by your name, I think we're in the same state. Keep try since it can be tricky. If you're a displaced worker they can waive the income limits. Also, go at the beginning of the month when they get new funding numbers.