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??

 

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

 

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.

 

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.