That's a very good point that I didn't think of. If you have a teacher's degree, sub once in a while. If you have an accounting degree, do tax preparation during the tax season or volunteer to do tax returns for the elderly, etc., etc. Early in one's career, you'll need the extra money anyway.

Great read.
 

Most people who don't know the aviation world are really mis-informed about the industry. They think it's all glamour and roses! I chose the maintenance field, because I really didn't want to spend the majority of my life in hotel rooms or worrying about my next layoff (as much). I'm a proud mechanic that really does feel for the pilot profession. I did start out at a regional airline, but I was home every day, but managed to squeak out over 30k my first year. I vividly remember talking to a RJ pilot one morning at the hangar, and when he told me he went to college at NYU and was making around 20k as a FO, I was shocked. He gained my respect by doing what he loved to do. Life is good now, but it only took me a few years to get a great job (Purple Tail). Good luck to all pilots waiting on their chance for a better life.

USA (US) - US Airways
AWE (HP) - America West

Don't know if he was a pilot or dentist first.

Greazy Fingers
 

Once a wrench always a wrench brother. Im probably the only Capt. in NY sits down and has coffee with line maint. EWR

Guzzilapd

A/P 1978 Page Airways IAD aka Page Avjet

I'm not sure AMT's have had it much better. I mean, look at what happened at Northwest Airlines a few years back. Their entire AMT cadre was replaced with guys who crossed their picket lines. Also, it seems many U.S. mechanics are getting replaced by guys working in MRO facilities overseas or in Mexico and Central America who work for a much lower wage. United Airlines laid off a few thousand mechanics during their bankruptcy and outsourced much of their work, and just announced they are going to lay off more of those guys. I'm not sure I'd recommend that profession, either!

re:
 

"Nice blog. I hope the site helps your readers."

Thank you. I've gotten the most hits on it since I posted that link on here. I just hope that someone finds something of use in there and on my website.

Or you could be like me. One who has no other choice but a "Professional Flight Degree" because family can't help pay for college, flight training, or living expenses. While doing all mentioned at once, that degree is the only choice that allows for additional Federal loan aid to pay for flight training while supporting myself working 35 hrs a week. It was dam hard to get here without help. With a newly started family; the pay I expected but the stress of job security with NO other options (because of the degree) is what’s killing me. Overall, I LOVE MY JOB but from the pit of my heart I hate the career. Bitter-sweet!!!

Thanks for the info
 

Thanks so much for that info. I am currently attending one of those "name brand" flight school/universities and have been considering a change of major to a non-aviation-related subject. This and other forums have confirmed that choice. A career in aviation still might be on the horizon for me, but until things get better I will begin on my back-up plan.

Thanks a million.

Sir, your spot on. Thanks for making this available to those who aspire to be a professional pilot. I wished this was available years ago when I first got started.

Good stuff...cheers

I certainly wish I had read this before going to school.... thankfully I've always been about expanding my options regardless of how much I love to fly.... I'm hoping I'll end up ok as are many... I graduate in May with incredible, mind boggling debt. If only I could circulate this link around the Riddle email system without getting kicked out 3 months before getting my degree ;)..... regardless... Awesome job!