We as humans have a tendency to put other people down for their mistakes. Sadly we ignore the cause of these mistakes. Sky High loves aviation, but for whatever reason, he loves his family even more. In his arduous life there came a point where he had to decide whether to keep jumping puddles or finally settle down and have a decent life with his family. I believe he made the right decision. His cause was noble and just. He is an aviator but above that he is a father. A worthy and noble person is capable of sacrificing his life long dreams for his family, and I admire him for that. I don’t known if I would be able to do the same.
His experience is noteworthy of analyzing. I believe that he did not pick the right regional airline to work for. I believe that he limited his decision to work for a single airline. I believe that 9/11 hit him really hard. I believe that in the beginning of his career he “wasted some time”. Lets give airlines what they want, “automation”.
I now that to make a decent living, I cannot depend on a regional airline. I also now that it is possible that I will never reach a coveted airline position. I also now that I would be miserable if I did not attempt to follow my life long dream. I however will not bet my life on it, I will somehow generate income elsewhere; it will help in case I need to pull the plug on my dream. Thank You, you guys have opened my eyes, aviation is fun, and exciting, but we are always a second away from economic disaster.
The trick here is to be smart about it, walk into aviation knowing the risks, and evaluating your situation. If you want to make money, aviation is not for you; if you can make money elsewhere while in aviation go ahead (hard work pays off). It is really ignorant to read the pay scales and then a year later when regional X hires you, ***** about pay scales, like if you did not know. Let’s avoid betting everything we have in aviation, its fun, but it’s even more fun, when you have money. There are many things that you can do “freelance” that generate good extra income.
I know many of you don’t agree or don’t think its possible to generate extra income while working in aviation, and I accept you opinion. If you believe that it is not possible then that must mean it is not. You however must accept the views of others and remember that what is impossible for you maybe possible for others.

 

I think it's safe to say 99% of the people that post have done some type of research in the field of aviation prior to pursuing aviation. What we all needed was a crystal ball bigger than a zeppelin to foresee that tiny little event called 9/11. Oh, and I don't think google was the search engine of choice then.

J

 

Alta Vista rocked back then.

I wouldnt say EVERYONE has done research here, but if you dont, man you will pay for it later.

 

The passionate misguided determination of youth.

I remember being an unguided missile full of potential, hope and drive. All that has been replaced with a bit of temper, wisdom and guarded optimism. Though I miss my days of passionate idealistic certainty there is no way I would trade the benefits of being older and smarter.

If lucky enough each of us will have something that sweeps us away. For better or worse, the ability to invest ones self so completely has its value. I wish that aviation wasn't so costly and painful. Like Medusa it sucks people in and kills them. I narrowly escaped too many times to remember.

I understand and respect your determination you younger ones. Keep in mind that this profession can demand a terrible price. I will never forget a good friend and co-worker I had. I cautioned him to slow down. At 21 he had 2200 hours as an Alaskan Bush pilot. His passionate lust for flight time was bringing him closer to the edge everyday. Finally I convinced him to take a few years off and get a degree. On one of his last flights before getting on the plane to fly down to the lower 48 to start college he violently found a mountain top. His passion blinded him from what others could see was coming. His story is one of many that I carry.

More than anything what killed my career dreams is that I discovered that it is much easier and you will have a better life and lifestyle outside of aviation. The 9 to 5 lie isn't true. People do that because is offers significant benefits. Recently I helped a guy get his house construction underway. The place he is building is like a captains house, 3000 square feet and on 5 acres. Its value is near $750,000. He pays for it all as a union heating and air-conditioning repairman.

I saw his financial statements. He earns well over 100K. In time you guys will get tired of being poor and realise that the rest of the world owns homes, boats and has wives and children. The benifits extend beyond mere pay. Slowly I am rebuilding my life and remembering what my hobbies and interests were. Yesterday I looked at a KTM 525 EXC, Fun! Though a part of me will always lament my lost dream of youth things like that sure take the sting of a lost dream away.

SkyHigh

 

ok yes google wouldn't have worked for that day, but maybe a president with his head not shoved up his a$$ would.

 

The lesson here, "It pays to be UNION"

 

Wow what is amazing to me is that SkyHigh was addressed in the origional post and when he responds - twice - no one even coments on it. People get bent out of shape and start flaming each other and it's as if SkyHigh never replied. Lets focus on the 1st post and the reponses of SkyHigh and favila008 - ones that relate to the topic.

Anyways, just as favila008 said, "We as humans have a tendency to put other people down for their mistakes. Sadly we ignore the cause of these mistakes." Now just take that and relate it to both of SkyHigh's responses and I really don't think nothing more needs to be said. Just remember why he says the things that he does, it is from his own, personal, lived through experience; and that is what he speaks from.

 

Some inspiring words here - I personally thankyou, it has reflected on me in an extremely positive way -

"go for your dream.
because at the end of the day it doesnt matter how many money you have in the bank or the beatiful office that your friends envy you.
it only matter how much of yourself you have achieved IMHO"

The above quote was iceing on the cake, this is exactly how i see it!

Regards