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What did you do after leaving?

Old 05-06-2015, 07:43 AM
  #51  
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Your entire online existence is a giant inconsistency and quite pointedly, a lie. You've said that when you took your job in the 757, you couldn't recognize one, that you couldn't have told the difference between a Boeing and an Airbus, that aircraft were quite inconsequential and meaningless to you. You've also told us on numerous occasions that you dedicated your life to flying for the airlines, that it was your dream, your ultimate goal; your loftiest aspiration in life, yet you couldn't recognize the airplane. You remember this, don't you? If not, I'll provide citations. It wasn't that long ago.

You blather on about your indifference to the soul-killing industry, to the futility of aviation, yet you tell us that you carry a packet of resumes in the seat back in your Cessna 150, ready to hand out at a moment's notice, always looking for that aviation job. Here you are, trying to turn others away, and there you are, seeking a way in.

Call it what it really is; a half-hearted failed effort, for very obvious reasons. Then walk away.

You're far too disingenuous in your unending condemnation of the industry, yet your constant pandering and attempting to return. You're like the bad actor that struggles up to a sitting position for the umpteenth time, one finger in the air as if to make a point, who then reminds us in a loud wail "Again, I die!" as you collapse back into your chalk outline on the floor.

You may not have accomplished what you hoped, as thus far the best you've succeeded at doing is turning your tragedy into a roaring comedy. Not that it has a happy ending for you, but it's pretty damn funny.
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Old 07-03-2015, 05:49 PM
  #52  
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For what it's worth. After I called it quits I became a service advisor for an amazing luxury car dealer in the DFW area. I had to have a 4 year to get hired. I cleared 90k the last two years and should go over 100 next year.

I work 5 on 1 off, then 5 on 3 off. I leave work at 5:30 pm most days and have all major holidays off. 2 weeks paid vacation and 401k match. I'm home every night and I never get bored at work. My company has its annual awards party at the ritz or the 4 seasons. I get paid $400 a month for my car allowance.

I can't imagine having staying in flying and being gone from my family all the time while making what I was.

Most jobs out there with a minimum requirement of a 4 year are leaps and bounds better in quality of life than flying. Sure, all jobs still suck but think about what's really important to you and make the right decision.

Good luck to anyone thinking of getting out.
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Old 07-03-2015, 06:10 PM
  #53  
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I am the VP of the biggest executive-helicopter-leasing
company on the Western Seaboard.

I haven't had a carb since 2004.
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Old 07-05-2015, 06:47 AM
  #54  
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many more things since i have more time

Originally I wanted to work in water management and supply but others things came, so I do wine production and export to Asia.
and export cosmetics too.
So it makes me travel when I want to see customers, have more time to really visit towns, Singapor for exemple.
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Old 07-11-2015, 06:53 PM
  #55  
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Originally Posted by bedrock View Post
I am the VP of the biggest executive-helicopter-leasing
company on the Western Seaboard.

I haven't had a carb since 2004.
Dat's funny
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Old 07-19-2017, 03:43 PM
  #56  
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Hey just an update. I did leave my regional go job after 5 years of it and good thing I did. The way things ended up at my regional would have put me as a 7 year fo on reserve. Fortunately I was picked up as an Air Traffic controller. Great pay and benefits are definitely a plus. I do still miss Flying but with the option to retire at 50, if I have the desire to fly for an airline again I will. Now I'm saving up to buy my own plane that will satisfy my urges to get back into the air. Thanks for all the comments
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Old 07-23-2017, 10:20 AM
  #57  
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Originally Posted by Boxedfoods View Post
Hey just an update. I did leave my regional go job after 5 years of it and good thing I did. The way things ended up at my regional would have put me as a 7 year fo on reserve. Fortunately I was picked up as an Air Traffic controller. Great pay and benefits are definitely a plus. I do still miss Flying but with the option to retire at 50, if I have the desire to fly for an airline again I will. Now I'm saving up to buy my own plane that will satisfy my urges to get back into the air. Thanks for all the comments
Sent you a PM
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Old 07-11-2018, 12:47 AM
  #58  
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Hello. I have not logged into this site for a few years but thought I'd check it out since they send e-mails every so often.

Having left the field over 27 years ago after working toward an aviation career I will give my thoughts but first a little background.

Like all of you I always loved airplanes. Built all kinds of models as a kid and flew control line version. While working at a grocery store as a teenager I paid to get my private which was acquired 3 days after my 18th birthday. When the instructor, a retired AF guy, found I wasn't 18 he called my parents asking if it was o.k. to teach me. The instrument and comm were all paid for by myself. The parents figured I was serious so helped with the CFI and multi. To cut it short I did the CFI routine, flew jumpers and towed banners (most fun jobs I ever had) worked for a guy in AK for a short time then flew checks at night in 210's and Aztecs single pilot. Yes, it was legal to fly IFR freight in single engine piston poppers back then.

At the time you couldn't touch a commuter job as regionals were called back then unless you had 2500TT with 500 multi and getting one with those credentials was considered lucky. As soon as I gained that experience I sent resumes. All snail mail back then. The only one I heard back from was American Eagle who flew me to Dallas for an interview to fly ATR's. It was the most disorganized thing I've ever attended which made me wonder how they work their business. There were three interviews. One was a woman asking general questions, another was with a captain going over rules and asking questions on charts. The third was an ILS in a Citation simulator. The IP controlled the throttles and just wanted to see you fly which ended up being a miss. I was really proficient at the time and those needles never moved off center. Guy said I did a "masterful job".

Both captains said I did great but after all the disorganization I really didn't care and the woman with the non flying questions asked if there was anything else I would like to add. I told her "if your flying anything that shouldn't be in the air don't hire me". hahahaha Of course there was a rejection letter. Look up Roselawn, IN. There's a good chance it could have been me flying that thing out of ORD.

So what did I do? I was collecting unemployment after being laid off from hauling checks, oops that is "furloughed" in aviation parlance, I seen an add in the local paper that stated "wanted, meter readers. Work in (location) Two years technical experience required" so I called. The woman asked what I had been doing and I replied flying freight in small twin engine airplanes to which she said that's technical enough. Can you come in for an interview?

It happened to be what is one of the largest fully regulated utilities in the U.S. Most people where I live covet the job. The interview process took several months. No word for awhile then out of the blue a call came asking if you could take a physical and drug test. Another period of no word and then come in for another interview. They asked that if I were to be hired how would they know I wouldn't leave to go fly. I told them if I were hired how do I know they wouldn't lay me off and I was also through with flying. Yeah, I got hired.

After all this time what do I think? First off you will hear if you want something you really have to work at it. I am of the opinion if it don't come easy leave it alone. As has been stated most here covet the job. I didn't care whether I got it or not and it just happened. I started in a menial job but there are bids posted weekly. Like flying I suppose. There are so many types you are bound to find something that suites your fancy. I have tried several. Some were longer term and some not so much but there is the ability to go back to your previous one.

The compensation? No comparison to flying. The menial job started more than right seat at a commuter. I think of all the dues to pay in aviation at minimal wage and all that lost compensation. Now? I have been over six figures for some time. I have thought so many times about the pay in aviation and how much time you are realistically at work but not getting paid. If you ask me a layover is being at work. Now? I am paid from the moment I arrive at the parking lot until I get back in my personal vehicle to go home. If it's overtime and I wish to work 24 or 32 straight it is all compensated time. Most at double time.

QOL? Home every night and I will not put in writing the things I get done while technically at work awaiting an emergency call.

I am eligible to retire one year from this month but will see if I wish to work until age 60. There is a traditional pension, great health care plus I have been socking it away in several areas of savings.

Excitement? It does not provide the views but is frequently fast paced and exciting in my current position. Seen more than one explosion.

An aside. Nine years ago there were some health problems which would have been of great concern in aviation. Not so where I now am.

Do I miss flying? Not really. Yeah, I think about it sometimes. After getting this job I did not fly for 6 years. Went for a few biennials but never really used it for PIC except 2 times to take the wife up. Got a tail wheel endorsement in a Cub a couple years ago in order to satisfy myself. There's been some parts for a homebuilt in the garage for several years but I may donate them to a high school aviation program if there were a reliable one.
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Old 07-11-2018, 02:07 AM
  #59  
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I wished to edit the above comment to add something. I see people here leaving for an office job. My advise is to not shy away from working with your hands. It can be quite gratifying with just compensation.
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