Originally Posted by awakenedpilot

Thanks USMC.

That's interesting because what I hear from all my peers flying at the majors now says it is a lot EASIER there than it was in at least the Air Force. They say you mainly show up and just fly, which is NOT what I encountered in the AF.

Also, GA isn't fun for me. In some ways I do like the structure of IFR clearances because VFR flying is so foreign to me. I flew the big planes and I loved those. Also with the AF all the additional duties were priority to flying, so I dealt with constantly feeling non proficient. It's not that I don't want any paperwork; it's the paperwork not even related to anything that wore me out. And waiting hours on a broken jet before canceling!

There is something to be said for setting the parking brake and being truly done with work for the day. I don't have that now. Add that to zero interest in my job and this is why I'm likely changing courses.


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Originally Posted by satpak77

I am in a similar situation. Largely a management/staff role (albeit in an aviation department) and most of my day is spent in meetings, dealing with drama, putting out fires, or dealing with vendors/contractors. Big money ($150k) but big headaches. However I am off 99.99% of all major holidays and weekends, and go home at 530 PM each day.

Will be able to retire with a pension at age 50 (3 years away) and am actually considering the major airlines. Even considering the regionals, with my pension in-hand, I will not be completely at the soup kitchen, at least not everyday.

So.....

Originally Posted by awakenedpilot

I know a guy in my reserve unit who gave up a pension and good money as well for the same reasons. He's at a regional getting recency now. He doesn't have any regrets. The drama and meetings and useless emails really wear you out...


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Originally Posted by awakenedpilot

I make base pay $113k, with some time and a half thrown in.. so longterm I think airlines would pay out more especially since moving up the ladder is not something I'm interested in at my current job. Politics only get worse from where I am, again speaking specifically in my current job. I have no interest in even more emails, conference calls, late night phone calls and knee jerk reactions. So I wouldn't move up a whole lot more on the pay scale mainly by choice.


EDIT: I should add that I am not home every night in this job. In fact I already spend 4-5 nights in a hotel and will do so for the upcoming months. I am already used to being gone and don't mind that. I do get holidays off now but it never really bugged me much when I used to miss those frequently in the AMC world.

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Originally Posted by Sputnik

Why are you not targeting direct to a major? 15 months out of cockpit is not a total deal breaker as it once was (I think).

You sound like you have it figured out. Get your apps in.

Originally Posted by JTwift

Interesting discussion. I got a job offer for Endeavor, and just found out that I did not get hired at Southwest. Not sure why, as I felt good about it after the interview.

Apps are in everywhere, no other calls yet. C-130, 4k, Evaluator.

I started applying late because I wasn't really sure if I wanted to keep flying, or do something else. The thought of regional pay is, honestly, kind of sickening, especially after 20 years of military pay. The thought of an office job is also kind of sickening.

But, maybe it'll work out with someone else before long. Just have to make it through training!

Originally Posted by JTwift

Interesting discussion. I got a job offer for Endeavor, and just found out that I did not get hired at Southwest. Not sure why, as I felt good about it after the interview.

Apps are in everywhere, no other calls yet. C-130, 4k, Evaluator.

I started applying late because I wasn't really sure if I wanted to keep flying, or do something else. The thought of regional pay is, honestly, kind of sickening, especially after 20 years of military pay. The thought of an office job is also kind of sickening.

But, maybe it'll work out with someone else before long. Just have to make it through training!