Doom and Gloom
 

Those of you who are married I want to know if your families are happy with the career choice you've made? My wife thinks it's all doom and gloom.

Have your kids adjusted to you being gone on trips?

That depends. The sacrafice has to worth it. If you're always gone and only making alittle money, then you should ask yourself some serious questions. If you're always gone and only making $50,000 or less, you should be asking some serious questions to a psychiatrist, because you're totally insane.

I don't know how people that care for each other can totally be happy about it. Somewhat accept it maybe. It's hard on everyone.

HAHA! Love the name of this thread!
There was a senior captain at my first airline, that gave the "family orientation" class (for wives, fiances, etc). He stated this: "Some of you are married, you'll be divorced. Some of you are single, you will get married. Some of you will leave your wife or girlfriend."
I thought it was a little odd, but guess what, it turned out exactly like he said! Two guys from my class got divorced, one got married and had a kid, one left his girlfriend. And me? I left my girlfriend of 9 years to date a FA! What was I thinking!?! What were any of us thinking?

As far as the career goes, it is what you make of it. I barely got by the first few years, then got furloughed for a year and a half, got recalled, then found out a few months later that I'd be furloughed again. You aren't home much, especially if you commute. The pay is lousy (look at other jobs with way less responsibility that pay much more). There are the flight benefits, but all the flights are always full.
But, my office window has the best view in the world and nothing beats watching the sun rise while people on the ground are stuck in a rain storm :D

What does she think is all doom and gloom? The ups and downs of the industry? The time away on the road? The starting pay? I ask because it could influence the answer. The industry isn't doom and gloom. It just isn't for everyone.

My wife and I met before I started the industry. We married shortly after I finished training for my first airline job. We had no children, and we both worked. While time on the road took some adjusting, I can't say it ever caused extreme hardship or pain. Her job kept her busy, and on her days off she was able to spend time with her family since we live in the same area they do.

Then we found out we were pregnant. It was extremely exciting. I was able to be home for our daughters birth, and was able to spend 4 weeks at home afterwards. I was home for her 1st Birthday, 1st Christmas, and many of her doctor visits in the 1st year of her life. I've spent some holidays on the road, and some at home. We have learned that for us it is never about the day, but about the time we spend together. We make arrangements to have Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc on days where we can get together with family because to us that is what is important.

Spending time on the road can be hard at times, but I actually don't mind it. It gives me time to catch on rest. I do less work at work then at home. Do I enjoy spending time away from my wife and daughter? No, but what I have gained is an appreciation for the time I HAVE with my wife and daughter. I never take it for granted. That's why it works for us. We are happy. My wife appreciates what I do for our family, and I appreciate her supporting my dream. You'll never know if you don't try, but realize it doesn't work for everyone.

Bottom line, you are going to get a TON of different answers. The industry experience is different for everyone.

ask us at 65 :)

Johnso29: I had almost the exact same situation you described. But it appears neither of us are regional guys. So, let me ask you this - would you still be doing it for regional pay? The sacrafice has to be worth it.

Unfortunately there are too many airline pilots out there with their priorities completely wrong. Family should always come first. I'd rather be with my family any day of the week than watching a dumb sunrise or being on top of the weather. I have never understood why some pilots fall head over heels in love with a job that kicks you in the face month after month. Maybe some brains just are just aligned differently I guess, people can be pretty selfish. But I have zero respect for anyone who puts their job in front of their family (airlines or not), and those people are usually the same ones who complain about their divorces and family problems. Pathetic.

There are many people who are good at balancing their family life and their airline job. However, if you are having trouble keeping your family happy with this job I suggest you find a different job, especially if your family is your number one priority.

Why is the pay lousy? Hint: it is not "corporate greed".

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.