What else would you do?
 

I've been feeling a bit jaded recently. My base is closing and I am faced with some decisions to make. I know base closures is just part of this business, but at my company, we do not have a commuting contract and you are generally expected to live where you are based, so this will require a move. I love flying, I always have and I am sure I always will. However, I have been thinking recently that maybe that maybe the 121 "living the dream" lifestyle may not be for me. Before I was afflicted with the disease known as Aviation, I was in school to be a history teacher. I have always regretted not getting the degree. I am thinking about going back to school to pursue that, and hopefully I would be able to find some kind of flying gig on the side. Anyone else in a similar boat? What else would you do if you weren't a pilot?

Seems like you have some stuff to think about. Never regret doing something in your life. Im not saying leave the career. You obviously got to where you are due your passion and skills for the job. I would talk it over with your family before making any decisions. School teachers are a good profession but they make crap and treated like such.

Regret cuts both ways
 

I regret not following my flying dream.

I regret following my flying dream.

There is always an opportunity cost and the opportunity cost is the opportunity lost. There are always regrets.

Skyhigh

Disclaimer: I have no plans to leave but would be a fool for not having an idea of what I would do if I needed an exit.

1: Civil Servant ie Police Department
2: Back into the military
3: ATC (getting too old for this)
4: FAA
5: Teacher
6: Back to school full time (new GI bill pays for this as well as gives you a paycheck)
7: Take over my fathers business gradually as he gets closer to retirement
8: Take advantage of military preference points as well as disability preference and apply to jobs from USAJOBS.GOV. I didnt make the system but id be crazy not to consider it when I am given a slight advantage off the start.

Just a few of the ideas that have crossed my mind.

I'll second the USAJOBS...

If you want to keep "living the dream" in the 121 world, are you ready to work until 65, possibly 70?

No
 

I don't want to work that long.

Skyhigh

I would get my teaching certificate.... would love to teach History.

Pay here sucks, and with budget cut backs.... jobs are tough

I have a Computer Sci Degeree... hate it.

Well said.....

My wife is a history teacher (high school).
The teaching profession, these days, is saturated with all of the cutbacks in town budgets.
Tough to break into with so many experienced applicants in the race.

The best time for starting a teaching career is during fat economic times. Good budgets in most towns and low competition stemming from everyone eyeing higher paying jobs in other fields.

That, unfortunately, is one of the reasons you run into some very bad teachers and wonder how in the world they got this position.

Try it but you may have to "sit reserve" for a couple of years sub'ing or short term assignments before you get a full time slot.