New hobbies, occupations, etc
04-06-2012, 09:33 AM
#1
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Joined APC: Apr 2012
Posts: 27
New hobbies, occupations, etc
My situation is a bit different from many of the people on this board as I didn't have nearly as much invested in the career. I got all my ratings by the time I was 19, but never pulled the trigger on a regional gig after finishing my degree. The low income was a big mental barrier for me. I got into corporate America as an IT dude and held out hoping for a lucky break that would let me fly and support myself one day (corporate, 135, etc). As most could guess, that never happened.
Last year, at the 10 year point of chasing this thing, I decided to give it up. I lost the love for it after 10 years of chasing dead end job leads, evening flight instructing, students running out of cash, etc. Looking back, I'm glad I did what I did. It was very empowering because I regained control of my life. My wife and I have a great marriage and we don't have to put our lives on hold waiting for something to happen.
There has only been one downside. I am at a loss of what to do with my life and I'm legitimately bummed about it. I don't really miss flying - I miss being immersed in an endeavor. Both my parents were CFI's, I grew up chasing flying, and looking back - I never once considered what else I would do with my time if flying was no longer a part of my life.
In the last year I've dabbled a lot - I rebuilt a few engines, made a lot of home brewed beer, did some IT consulting and a few other things. My problem is that I no longer have any goals, ambitions, or passions. It's a big change! Aviation is a good place for someone that is Type-A and very goal driven. Has anyone found something comparable?
Last year, at the 10 year point of chasing this thing, I decided to give it up. I lost the love for it after 10 years of chasing dead end job leads, evening flight instructing, students running out of cash, etc. Looking back, I'm glad I did what I did. It was very empowering because I regained control of my life. My wife and I have a great marriage and we don't have to put our lives on hold waiting for something to happen.
There has only been one downside. I am at a loss of what to do with my life and I'm legitimately bummed about it. I don't really miss flying - I miss being immersed in an endeavor. Both my parents were CFI's, I grew up chasing flying, and looking back - I never once considered what else I would do with my time if flying was no longer a part of my life.
In the last year I've dabbled a lot - I rebuilt a few engines, made a lot of home brewed beer, did some IT consulting and a few other things. My problem is that I no longer have any goals, ambitions, or passions. It's a big change! Aviation is a good place for someone that is Type-A and very goal driven. Has anyone found something comparable?
04-06-2012, 09:57 AM
#2
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
I can relate
Once the dream is gone flying looses much of its allure. I have tried making a go of it as a hobby but it is not the same. I can not find common ground with the hobby guys and there seems to be little point in flying in circles for no reason.
When it is gone there is a big hole. Aviation sucks up so much of ones focus and resources it leaves little room to foster other interests. Once the flying obsession is gone it is almost like starting completely over as a new person.
Where do you start? I have been slowly rediscovering the things I did as a kid like fishing, hiking and mountain biking. I also am learning how to be a cattleman and m raising a small herd. However compared to the heroin high of aviation everything else seems muted and unstimulating.
It will take some time.
Skyhigh
When it is gone there is a big hole. Aviation sucks up so much of ones focus and resources it leaves little room to foster other interests. Once the flying obsession is gone it is almost like starting completely over as a new person.
Where do you start? I have been slowly rediscovering the things I did as a kid like fishing, hiking and mountain biking. I also am learning how to be a cattleman and m raising a small herd. However compared to the heroin high of aviation everything else seems muted and unstimulating.
It will take some time.
Skyhigh
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