Looking Forward, But Nervous
 

I am leaving my job to go back to school...

I am sitting in an FBO awaiting my last flight (Merry Christmas btw), and I am excited. I will be making my last freight run in a C-402. I will be leaving the BEST job I have ever had. My company is great, the line guys are great, and the pay is pretty good with a cheap rent.

The only problem...My wife and house are out of state. She is in grad school getting a PhD. I lost my job over a year and a half ago that was back home. I then picked up work out of state. Of my 2.5 year marriage I have spent 2 years on the road working living like a bachelor hobo, in small living quarters sometimes with roommates. I couldnt ask for a more supportive pilot wife. She understood what I was trying to do. Sacrafice everything early to have it easier down the road.

The time has come however to put things in perspective. I have sacraficed too much of my LIFE, health, and sanity, chasing this "dream." I did everything I was supposed to. I instructed to ATP mins (when 250 hr aero-studs were going to fly "THE JET"), did the 135 freight dog thing, and was willing to move anywhere to get to the next level.

I have had a long road, and I am tired of being a victim to this rapist of an industry. I am going back to school to get a degree in biology and education so I can be a highschool science teacher. Benefits, job stability, and a decent schedule sound nice. When I get done in 3-4 years my wife will be finishing her PhD., we may be getting a more business friendly president, and there may be more options. I will then be able to pursue flying or a job as a teacher, while not worrying what happens if I lose my job, medical out, get into trouble with the FAA. I am currently 26...I hope that at 30 I can pick up with out much damage to my flying career due to the current stagination of this industry.

Some things to aspiring pilots:
*Do NOT get a degree in aviation.
*CFI for a while, you will learn a lot!
*135 Freight is the toughest and most proven test of flying.
*Experience, Knowledge, and skill do not matter when it comes to getting a job.


I am looking forward, but I am damn nervous. I am comforted by the fact that I know I am at least in control of the situation. I have been checking this site out for 7 years now. Thanks to everyone for all the insight. I have grown up on APC from a young solo student pilot, up to a dirty freight dog who can get it done. It has been fun, but the fun has been expensive in more than just money. Again Thanks all and I will let you all know how it turns out in a few years. Take care!

Good Luck!
 

Captain Teezy,

It sounds like you are making a prudent decision, but I also think you were wise to pursue flying when you did. You won't regret having "been there, done that", and will probably be a better high school teacher because of your experience. At age 26, you have plenty of time to watch developments in the aviation industry and possibly return to it. :)

Good Luck CptTeezy, I commend you for making a wise and difficult decision. I only wish I would have 20 yrs ago. Just remember: the best things in life have nothing to do with airplanes.

Captain Teezy- sounds like you are making a well thought out decision and although your flying may be ending you should still consider your accomplishments a success. I also have a wife who will finish her PhD this spring, it is a long road but very much worth it. I moved on a few years back myself and it was a great decision, still like airplanes but love my life outside of flying. Best of luck to you.

Teezy
 

Teezy,

Maybe someday you can buy a Cessna 150? Best of luck to you

Skyhigh

Teezy, are you saying that after you get your degree in education and biology, you might still come back to flying as a professional pilot in 3-4 years or are you completely done with flying altogether?

Good luck by the way.

I plan to try and be a pilot as my number 1 job, but I am not going to take low pay, bad treatment, or sacrifice everything I have just to do it. I will see what is going on in the aviation world...if it is good pay with quality of life I will do it. If not I will have other options. Thanks!

Sounds almost verbatim like my story, last year. I quit 12/15/08 from a regional in the face of a furlough to go back to school to get my CPA. Fast forward 12 months and the school part is done (only 1 year extra beyond the 4 yr I had) and 3 of the 4 CPA exam sections are passed. I'll reach my goal on 2/11/10 when I sit for a pass the last one.

Still flying all this time though, in a non career capacity. Flew 126 hours this year primarily as a part time CFI. I also recently got back into R/C airplanes and am enjoying what they offer.

Good luck!!

Good for you and good luck my friend. I admire that you are able to do that. I am too old to make the official change and the stress of work/work disappearing and family time weighs on my mind heavy everyday. I would say that you are lucky. You have a good family, are young, have a level head, a base of flying experience to pick up from down the road, and a very admirable new career goal. Best of luck!