Doom and Gloom
#101
Hi!
I have been through three careers since I met my wife. So far, she's likes the airline career the best, overall. Her favourite schedule is 14 on/14 off, or similar. She likes it when I'm home, and she likes being on her own to do her own stuff.
I had family travel on Midwest in my last US job, and she flew on them all the time, all the while when almost everyone I knew said the loads were full and it wouldn't work to travel non-rev...she loved it!
The hardest part has been when I have been unemployed. The 2nd hardest time was when I spent 9 months straight during an overseas flying job.
cliff
GRB
I have been through three careers since I met my wife. So far, she's likes the airline career the best, overall. Her favourite schedule is 14 on/14 off, or similar. She likes it when I'm home, and she likes being on her own to do her own stuff.
I had family travel on Midwest in my last US job, and she flew on them all the time, all the while when almost everyone I knew said the loads were full and it wouldn't work to travel non-rev...she loved it!
The hardest part has been when I have been unemployed. The 2nd hardest time was when I spent 9 months straight during an overseas flying job.
cliff
GRB
#102
New Hire
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: IT Server Room
Posts: 8
That's a two way street. I've flown with many folks who had a hell commute because their spouse refused to live more than 10 blocks from Mommy, Daddy, sister, brother, best friend, etc. If I were them I'd sit them down and ask what is more important. Being able to see your spouse more or the parents? Elderly/specialty care issues exempted, of course.
#104
Red
Sky,
You always say how expensive it is to be in this profession, and if you are stupid and go to one of those expensive schools, then yes it is very expensive. Although, there are cheaper alternatives; my brother got a good education and became an engineer and I spent the same amount of money getting a degree and learning how to fly. Guess what, I am 25 and he is 27 and we are making about the same amount after we put in similar amounts as well.
The problem is people over extend themselves and don't live within their means. I know guys making $30,000 a year while raising a family that are doing better than guys pulling in $500,000 and also raising a family. I also forgot to mention that with my flying job I am home a lot and rarely have a layover, but I guess with your reasoning I am not a good family man because I work in the aviation field and am on occasion away from home.
You always say how expensive it is to be in this profession, and if you are stupid and go to one of those expensive schools, then yes it is very expensive. Although, there are cheaper alternatives; my brother got a good education and became an engineer and I spent the same amount of money getting a degree and learning how to fly. Guess what, I am 25 and he is 27 and we are making about the same amount after we put in similar amounts as well.
The problem is people over extend themselves and don't live within their means. I know guys making $30,000 a year while raising a family that are doing better than guys pulling in $500,000 and also raising a family. I also forgot to mention that with my flying job I am home a lot and rarely have a layover, but I guess with your reasoning I am not a good family man because I work in the aviation field and am on occasion away from home.
You are 25. Plenty of time to be hosed by aviation. I flew a citation in my 20's as well. Give it a decade.
Skyhigh
#105
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Position: Airbus 319/320 Captain
Posts: 880
Maybe not even that long Sky. You have to have a thick head to continue in this industry when it has kicked you in the ba$#s so many times. Good luck Red, maybe it will be a success story for you as it has been for many others.
#106
New Hire
Joined APC: Jan 2011
Posts: 7
so basically, after reading this thread. There are two basic sides to aviation. The one side where there are bitter old farts who didn't have the best of luck and now if they have it their way, no one else will do this. And the other side of the guys who have had the best of times left seat on a big jet............. well, I will be going into aviation despite both sides because it is something that I love and I will continue to try and love through the good and bad times. Oh, I am also ready for the " you have no right coming in here with 5 posts and having never worked at an airline."
#107
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2009
Posts: 392
Really any job on a regional FO salary would turn me negative, but there are too many facets to aviation to make a blanket statement that the entire career field is a bad choice.
There are tough times for sure, but my wife and I have learned never to take our time together for granted. I don't think I'd be able to say that with as much conviction working a 9-5. That being said I have turned down job opportunities that would offer amazing career advancement, purely because they would be so straining on home life. Luckily we all have choices.
There are tough times for sure, but my wife and I have learned never to take our time together for granted. I don't think I'd be able to say that with as much conviction working a 9-5. That being said I have turned down job opportunities that would offer amazing career advancement, purely because they would be so straining on home life. Luckily we all have choices.
#108
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Position: Airbus 319/320 Captain
Posts: 880
so basically, after reading this thread. There are two basic sides to aviation. The one side where there are bitter old farts who didn't have the best of luck and now if they have it their way, no one else will do this. And the other side of the guys who have had the best of times left seat on a big jet............. well, I will be going into aviation despite both sides because it is something that I love and I will continue to try and love through the good and bad times. Oh, I am also ready for the " you have no right coming in here with 5 posts and having never worked at an airline."
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