Columbusohio

I hope everyone had a great Thangsgiving.

I have hit my 20 years AGR and I am on the fence about going to the airlines. I was hoping I could get some insight from anyone who has been in a similar position before.

Current: ARNG AGR, won’t have ever have to move, make good money, control my schedule pretty well, 2 kids (9yr/11yr old), live 15 minutes from work, home every holiday and most weekends. 45 years old.

I'm I crazy to leave this for an airline job at United or Delta where I would have to commute (possibly for ever)? I already know seniority is everything and we are in the midst of a huge hiring boom.

Applications are in and my availability date is this upcoming month (Dec 2015). I know that a legacy might not even call but I am thinking of pulling my applications now.

Thoughts?

SaltyDog

Many of us faced the unknowns of leaving military service, especially when reasonably predictable. At 45, what careers or jobs are you interested in doing for the next 15-20 years? Post kids leaving the house? Flying is just one option but many other options post military. Really how much of a desire you have to pursue a pure flying profession and answers to the few I posited may help.
Best of luck
SD

kme9418

After 20 years of active duty you are working for only half your base pay. Do you want to stay ARNG for the next 20+ years? If not, why not get a line number and start building seniority now? If you want to stay in service, go part time, get a line number, then start using military leave as needed.

Columbusohio

I am afraid that 2 years from now, as I sit at a crash pad outside KORD on Thanksgiving or Christmas, that I will be like "Why did I do this to myself?"

FDXLAG

We each have our own decisions to make, you would be surprised at the number of Flag officers that are FDX pilots. My first year at FDX I was laying over Christmas at home and getting per diem. I could have done it in Columbus too. The money is nice but the time off is incredible. Ask yourself where your family will be in 10 years and make your decision. But if you think you will be miserable, you are probably right.

SaltyDog

That may only last a few years, then senior enough to mitigate. How about the next 10-15 years?
5 day a week job more appealing post military retirement?
You seem to have the "others" down. There are positives, but all personal choices.
I'd say decline interviews if you get a call. No need to pull them. Suspect your hesitancy and lack of enthusiasm would show.
Best of luck, many good alternatives to airlines.
SD

crewdawg

Detroit is a relatively junior Delta base which can be had pretty quick and it's a not a bad drive up 23. You can easily sit long call at home...short call could be tight (especially if you live down by Rickenbacker...assuming your name is current). The months I did bid reserve, I averaged 2 short calls (~2ish hour call out) a month, so it shouldn't be a huge issue.

Do you plan on going to the airlines anyway? If so, I would jump now! Right now you most likely won't spend very long on reserve...I had a line my first month on the line. With all the retirements on the horizon, you will build seniority FAST. A few buddies haven't hit 2nd year pay and they both got Thanksgiving and Christmas eve/Christmas day off this year.

As FDXFLG pointed out, the time OFF is incredible and I'm only at year 2 on property. Also, the flexibility to move/drop your schedule is awesome. I was able to get a 18 day "vacation" without using any vacation time this summer, by smart bidding and using some resources available to drop days with pay. The greatest thing is when I leave work, I don't think about work until it's time to go back. No taking your work home with you, no fires to put out, to taskers for the brass, etc... Plus being a part timer in the Guard is great. Show up, fly, go home!

I guess it depends on your desires? Is O-6 (or CW5, if you're not already) an option? Is it worth it to stay for the extra retirement $$$? Are you ready for another stint over in the sandbox? I would rather be sitting reserve in a crash pad over Christmas, knowing I get to go home tomorrow, than sitting in a Tent/CLU/Trailer in Bagram/Tikrit/nameyourthirdworldhellhole!

Cuervo9606

Salty and Crewdog hit it on the head. I was sort of in the same boat, and after analyzing both options, it came down to one deciding factor...do I want to fly a jet or fly a desk. My advise would be to rack and stack your options, sit down with the wife, and make a well informed decision. Good luck buddy.

RAC396

Retired from an AGR position ln 93, retired from FEDEX in 2012,never missed a Christmas. Two retirements plus Tricare for Life, ls hard to beat. Don't chase the early upgrade, stay senior in your seat and enjoy the ride.

hindsight2020

If I was in your shoes and considering the constraints you've placed on the QOL column, I wouldn't do it OP. You've already attained the POFU. (see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdfeXqHFmPI ). That said, as long as the experiment doesn't upset your home QOL, give it a try. If it sours, quit and do something else close to home. Don't discount part-time turbine work and personal aircraft ownership as part of your post-mil retirement life. Good luck to you.