I left SWA and have had a successful career
12-19-2013, 04:53 AM
#31
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Joined APC: Apr 2008
Position: 767A
Posts: 791
Originally Posted by C17MooseDriver
Since no one is answering the original post, I guess I'll chime in.
I left SWA for Fedex and I've actually met another individual that's done the same.
Again, no one will know if they've made the right career decision until they retire. But, I am very glad I made the switch.
1. I'm home more often and in longer spurts.
2. I almost never work weekends or holidays.
3. I work a lot less and the pace is a lot slower.
4. I actually log less night hours and log significantly less block hours
5. I make a lot more money for a lot less work
6. I get to travel the world with actual downtime to do things. And often I get to DH in first class.
7. I don't have to deal with pax and the only time I deal with TSA is when I dh.
8. A lot more commuter friendly trips. Most of my trips are commutable on both front and back end.
9. A real retirement plan
10. I fly with a lot less koolaide drinkers.
Things which was a step back
1. No real Nonrev bennies for family.
I left SWA for Fedex and I've actually met another individual that's done the same.
Again, no one will know if they've made the right career decision until they retire. But, I am very glad I made the switch.
1. I'm home more often and in longer spurts.
2. I almost never work weekends or holidays.
3. I work a lot less and the pace is a lot slower.
4. I actually log less night hours and log significantly less block hours
5. I make a lot more money for a lot less work
6. I get to travel the world with actual downtime to do things. And often I get to DH in first class.
7. I don't have to deal with pax and the only time I deal with TSA is when I dh.
8. A lot more commuter friendly trips. Most of my trips are commutable on both front and back end.
9. A real retirement plan
10. I fly with a lot less koolaide drinkers.
Things which was a step back
1. No real Nonrev bennies for family.
12-19-2013, 04:54 AM
#32
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: B737/Capt
Posts: 998
Originally Posted by C17MooseDriver
Since no one is answering the original post, I guess I'll chime in.
I left SWA for Fedex and I've actually met another individual that's done the same.
Again, no one will know if they've made the right career decision until they retire. But, I am very glad I made the switch.
1. I'm home more often and in longer spurts.
2. I almost never work weekends or holidays.
3. I work a lot less and the pace is a lot slower.
4. I actually log less night hours and log significantly less block hours
5. I make a lot more money for a lot less work
6. I get to travel the world with actual downtime to do things. And often I get to DH in first class.
7. I don't have to deal with pax and the only time I deal with TSA is when I dh.
8. A lot more commuter friendly trips. Most of my trips are commutable on both front and back end.
9. A real retirement plan
10. I fly with a lot less koolaide drinkers.
Things which was a step back
1. No real Nonrev bennies for family.
I left SWA for Fedex and I've actually met another individual that's done the same.
Again, no one will know if they've made the right career decision until they retire. But, I am very glad I made the switch.
1. I'm home more often and in longer spurts.
2. I almost never work weekends or holidays.
3. I work a lot less and the pace is a lot slower.
4. I actually log less night hours and log significantly less block hours
5. I make a lot more money for a lot less work
6. I get to travel the world with actual downtime to do things. And often I get to DH in first class.
7. I don't have to deal with pax and the only time I deal with TSA is when I dh.
8. A lot more commuter friendly trips. Most of my trips are commutable on both front and back end.
9. A real retirement plan
10. I fly with a lot less koolaide drinkers.
Things which was a step back
1. No real Nonrev bennies for family.
If I remember Moose you and I had a discussion about this in the jetway. Sorry things at SWA were not for you. I wish you a successful career.
The Oscar
How long were you at SWA and how long have you been at FEDEX Moose?
12-19-2013, 04:56 AM
#33
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: B737/Capt
Posts: 998
Originally Posted by Dirtdiver
We have a winner!
The Oscar
Anybody else?
12-19-2013, 05:32 AM
#34
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Joined APC: Nov 2010
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 405
I went through Lear 60 initial in Dallas (Bombardier) in 2008. My instructor was a 18-19 yr captain at SWA. He left because he was tired of flying his butt off. He and his wife owned a dog boarding kennel. Said he was glad he mad the move and instructing in the Sim kept him in aviation somewhat.
Idk if that is a success story or not. Personally, I would have loved to gone to SWA 10 years ago but would not now. I have no issues as flying as a copilot for a long time, but the retirement list of others looks good for QOL as far as schedule is concerned. I just wouldn't want any stagnation on the list. But who knows. SWA might be growing internationally and then growth will come
Idk if that is a success story or not. Personally, I would have loved to gone to SWA 10 years ago but would not now. I have no issues as flying as a copilot for a long time, but the retirement list of others looks good for QOL as far as schedule is concerned. I just wouldn't want any stagnation on the list. But who knows. SWA might be growing internationally and then growth will come
12-19-2013, 06:07 AM
#35
GAME ON!!!!
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Posts: 131
I flew with a guy about a year ago that left SW. He wasn't there very long, & left for DAL; (pre-merger South guy). He was interested in flying Int'l and didn't want to be "stuck in a 737 for his entire career".
That's not concrete info Oscar was looking for, but just sayin'
That's not concrete info Oscar was looking for, but just sayin'
12-19-2013, 04:31 PM
#36
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Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: retired EMB-145 CA
Posts: 115
Originally Posted by OscartheGrouch
T1,
Like I said, after being at SWA for a long time I am still waiting for a success story. I totally understand the commute issue and believe that if someone makes a decision that benefits his family because of a commute that is unbearable it can be considered a success. Have them contribute to this thread so we can all understand.
I also believe that some of the hiring is based on an attrition factor. I also believe that those that do leave in the current environment will be more successful than those who previously did. When that decision is evident may be some time (retirement perhaps). 23+ years for me and haven't heard what can be called a successful decision yet. Again, I am all ears.
The Oscar
Like I said, after being at SWA for a long time I am still waiting for a success story. I totally understand the commute issue and believe that if someone makes a decision that benefits his family because of a commute that is unbearable it can be considered a success. Have them contribute to this thread so we can all understand.
I also believe that some of the hiring is based on an attrition factor. I also believe that those that do leave in the current environment will be more successful than those who previously did. When that decision is evident may be some time (retirement perhaps). 23+ years for me and haven't heard what can be called a successful decision yet. Again, I am all ears.
The Oscar
12-19-2013, 04:35 PM
#37
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: B737/Capt
Posts: 998
Originally Posted by Sennaha
Would leaving SW, becoming a bartender, surfing, and partaking in cannabis everyday, in Hawaii, be considered a success?
The Oscar
12-19-2013, 04:46 PM
#38
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: B737/Capt
Posts: 998
Originally Posted by Elmer Fudd
I flew with a guy about a year ago that left SW. He wasn't there very long, & left for DAL; (pre-merger South guy). He was interested in flying Int'l and didn't want to be "stuck in a 737 for his entire career".
That's not concrete info Oscar was looking for, but just sayin'
That's not concrete info Oscar was looking for, but just sayin'
Okay apparently we may be flying international and it could happen! I am a very blessed person with regards to my career. I have never been too envious of equipment though because I have already done the best flying of my career.
The Oscar
12-19-2013, 05:36 PM
#39
No longer cares
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: 767er Captain
Posts: 12,109
I know someone that left DAL for SWA when we were staring down the BK barrel. He would be a pretty senior WB FO now or junior NB captain. At SWA, he is gonna be stuck throwing gear for quite some time. He;s good with it because he is driving to work instead of commuting on an airplane... Backasswards from what you were axing, so does that count?
12-19-2013, 06:06 PM
#40
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: B737/Capt
Posts: 998
Originally Posted by Airhoss
Funny thing about airlines Oscar,
None of them stay on top forever. They all cycle through. And while you are enjoying your false sense of security at the moment rest assured that one day maybe sooner, maybe later, SWA will get to visit the dark side of the moon too. A good policy to adhere to is that gloating or running around playing the bandy rooster in this industry will always come back to bite you eventually.
None of them stay on top forever. They all cycle through. And while you are enjoying your false sense of security at the moment rest assured that one day maybe sooner, maybe later, SWA will get to visit the dark side of the moon too. A good policy to adhere to is that gloating or running around playing the bandy rooster in this industry will always come back to bite you eventually.
You and I have had a few discussions in the past. I would challenge you to point to any of those discussions where I was gloating and running around as a bandy rooster. I will defend SWA in most cases. Lately I might be less likely to. The only security I have is my faith. Frankly I have been blessed with regards to my career decisions. Nothing lasts forever.
This thread however was about some who have been successful leaving SWA. The discontent I hear on occasion at little 'ol SWA is that some feel they would be better off if they left for " greener pastures." Just asking for some input so my disgruntled fellow employees can make an informed decision.
The Moose decided to chime in. He pointed out a lot of positives to support his decision. I would now ask him or anyone else to point out the negatives at SWA and the reason for leaving. For example he mentioned that he had a "real" retirement now that he has gone to FEDEX. There must have been some negatives for his decision and as I said I am all ears.
I will acknowledge that SWA may have some challenges in the future. We may even have to visit the dark side of the moon as you mentioned. While I currently don't have a lot of faith in our management, I am hoping they prove me wrong. One can hope can't they?
The Oscar
