Originally Posted by VacancyBid (Post 3831919)

You don't prefer commuting. You prefer living where you live.

You commute because the random results of what you like and what's available near base don't overlap. Commuting is a means to an end.

You don't commute because you want to commute. Nobody moves out of base just because everything about their life is good but it would be better if they could jumpseat more.

Originally Posted by Varks (Post 3831833)

I have bought 5 houses. 7.5% was the highest interest. 2.5% the lowest. Refinanced 3 or 4 times on different houses.

Things I have learned.

My anticipated income did not come to fruition for many many years.

No house is a dream house. Tastes change, family size changes, areas change. None is the ultimate. I would need 4 at once to satisfy every want. Beach, Lake, Ski, home. All you need is a 1 roof. The other 3 are for fun and vacations. Renting is cheaper than buying.

Our least favorite house is by far the longest place I have lived in.

Many people live in low tax states and many send their kids to private schools.

Most of my friends drive nicer cars than me.

Save more than you think you can afford. I thank my young self for maxing my 401K every year over 25+ years. Roth 401K for several years too.

The cost of owning a house has historically benefited one's financial situation but taxes, roofs, association fees, maintenance, insurance, etc. all cost something. Prepare and anticipate. During Covid I bought 3 refrigerators, 2 ovens, a dishwasher, and a microwave. All with in 6 months. They don't make them like they used to.

Put money into a 529. You can pass it on and/or roll it into an Roth IRA in the kids name. 30K I think. You, spouse, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, can all use it too.

Do not commute. By far the largest negative to this job. I hate it.

Sometimes I feel like an absent dad. That is part of the job. For some reason my spouse and kids still like me. At least I think they do.

Enjoy the ride. It's a wonderful job. Take care of your health. Tell your spouse how beautiful they are, hug the kids, and give back. Someone helped each and every one of us along the way. Give it back.

Originally Posted by goinaround (Post 3831945)

You own 4 houses? 3 for "fun"?

Originally Posted by Noisecanceller (Post 3831998)

Who the hell wants to do 4+ day trips? I personally like taking my kids to school or picking them up or going to soccer practice. Disappearing for half the week every week isn’t really favorable. That’s the true disadvantage to commuting IMO, Its the type of trips you have to fly to be a commuter. And anyone says they don’t like driving to the airport every day or every other day, what the heck do you do on overnights? Sleep in the airport? You still sit in traffic on the way to and from the hotel.

Originally Posted by CBreezy (Post 3832004)

I don't know if you realize this, but most places day turns are very limited and mostly to the most senior pilots. Besides that, I and lots of other people like spending time on the road. The international guys seem to all love their international layovers. I have places I like to go and spend time at a lot of cities we layover in.

Again, your truth is not universal. So you want to do day turns? Cool. You can have them.

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Originally Posted by Noisecanceller (Post 3831998)

Who the hell wants to do 4+ day trips? I personally like taking my kids to school or picking them up or going to soccer practice. Disappearing for half the week every week isn’t really favorable. That’s the true disadvantage to commuting IMO, Its the type of trips you have to fly to be a commuter. And anyone says they don’t like driving to the airport every day or every other day, what the heck do you do on overnights? Sleep in the airport? You still sit in traffic on the way to and from the hotel.

Originally Posted by Supercubbin (Post 3832042)

Flew a trip once with all layovers in my home town. Car was at the airport so I told the skipper I was gonna spend my nights at the house. He couldn’t believe I would “waste” all that time driving home. Meanwhile he’s got a 20 min van ride to the hotel…

He lived in base, 20 min from the parking lot but still bid 5 day trips so he wouldn’t have to drive to work more than he needed to. Different strokes I guess…

Originally Posted by CBreezy (Post 3832004)

I don't know if you realize this, but most places day turns are very limited and mostly to the most senior pilots. Besides that, I and lots of other people like spending time on the road. The international guys seem to all love their international layovers. I have places I like to go and spend time at a lot of cities we layover in.

Again, your truth is not universal. So you want to do day turns? Cool. You can have them.

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Originally Posted by CBreezy (Post 3831875)

Correct. Commuting isn't for everyone. It's possible to admit that there are people who happily commute every day of their career. "Commuting sucks" isn't a universal truth