JoeyMeatballs

I would prefer if the MODS leave this thread here as opposed to the Leaving the career section, but either way, hope everyone contributes.

So I can honestly say that I am actively pursuing leaving the airline industry for good, have been for a few months now. I can go on and on with the complaining or I can do something about it and take control of my life and not let some incompetent airline management control my life. ( I know this is not exclusive to just the airlines).

I see absolutely no future in this industry and thinking about the future sacrifices I will have to make to make over $100,000.00 and I don't know if it's the fact that I don't have it in me, or simply can't stomach the thought of

1) Eventually, who knows how many years upgrading to once again go back on reserve and have a poor QOL for a slight bump in pay

2) gain enough experience to get "lucky" enough to get hired at some on the brink of bankruptcy major who will pay me 40k the first year (even less at a few other places) to ONCE AGAIN be on the bottom of some list

3) How exciting will it be when you have put a few years into a major only to get furloughed, then what go fly an EMB-190 for 23/hr?

Anyway it used to make me sad that I had thoughts of leaving this industry, but now it makes me sad to picture what my life will be like 30hrs down the road from now.

This job has taken a surprising big toll on my personal relationships and I live in base and work for a "good regional"

Anywway, back in my SAABaroowski days I would post how I was in it for the long haul, however I can offically say I have had it.

Ok, I will stop my crying

Anyone else feel the same way?

whtever

You are not alone my friend, your thoughts are shared with the majority of people in the industry I have spoekn to, mainline or not. It really is too bad that it has come to this, with really no light at the end of the tunnel. If you could look into the future and have something other than poor quality of life, low wages, waining work rules, impending furlough/mergers, and increased scrutiny to look forward to, I could see staying, however, this is not the case.

Good luck to you...

wmuflyboy

Im still a 24 year old CFI that hasnt even experienced anything yet and Im planning to get out. Starting my MBA in September, CYA!!!

JoeyMeatballs

^ smart man, I would rather fly a Cub on the weekends then a ground stopped ERJ for dismal pay............, long duty days, contract violating management, slave to a broken seniority system

I feel like I work with, myself included with such bright, charismatic individuals who have so much wasted talent and are being beaten down on a daily basis by this industry, depressing.

avschulz

I've been on the street for almost two years now, and have finally gotten tired of waiting, and working crap part time jobs in hoping that a recall might come any day. I'm going back to school to get my teaching certificate. Might not be the best idea since now it looks like teachers are getting laid off just as much as pilots these days.

JoeyMeatballs

^ Good luck. The thought of being home everynight is like a pipe dream, I can't imagine, must be great........

minimwage4

Amen brother. I was just talking to a retired UA guy, you want to talk about crying? Very sad. The problem I think is not only what this profession has become but the fact that there seems to be no hope. It's been on a downward spiral for a long time, why would it stop now? And more importantly should you waste your life away waiting for the downward spiral to stop? I think not. Oh well.

JoeyMeatballs

^ thats exactly what I am afraid of, I don't want to look in the mirror at age 45 and try to rationalize that the pilot shortage is coming, what a joke, and even if it does, the jobs at the majors are really not that appealing to me anymore, the 4:00 am vans in some STD ridden hotel, Flight attendants who have no respect for anyone, the erosion of scope, etc.............just not going to end

Splanky

I too am working my way out, part way. In this downturn my employer has started part time lines that would actually not be too bad. As long as they continue the part time lines I am thinking about sticking around. I am working on a side career that can also be done while on the road. Hopefully my pipe-dream pans out.

A lot of my coworkers are also looking for an out. The two guys I went through training with are applying to schools for a new career.

If the current horrible quality of life with the constant pressure to take pay cuts was only temporary, I would consider it a sacrifice for the short term. However, I too fear the current crop of managers will persist on this path and I am not willing to put up with it.

For everyone looking to get out, good luck with your new career choices.

schone

Who is? I AM.

I am sick of 13hrs duty days flying 5 legs a day. Looking at what promises to be a grim future in the long run.

I used to do programming before i joined the airlines and can't see myself going back to that. I just wish someone could tell me what I should do and how to free myself from being a W-2 employee.


Just wish I could just do it and never feel regret no matter what happens in this industry.