Hello, I'am currently faced with a conundrum and in need of assistance. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to become an "Airline Pilot", but unfortunately money has always held me back from attaining this dream. I recently just received a job offer from a contract company in Kuwait willing to pay me 50k tax free for one year. (50K USD, I bet you're wondering that's it; yes, I was thinking the same thing). But that's not including per-diem and the potential for overtime. The company is willing to pay for my housing and all other expenses required in order to live in Kuwait, I will only be responsible for my food. The position would require me to work in a warehouse facility 5 days a week for 48 hours.

Since all expense are paid for by the company, I should be able to bring back at least 35-40k of that money back to the states after my one contract is complete. In-which that should be enough for me to complete the rest of my flight training "hopefully pvt-cfi".

After hearing this, do you fell it would be worth it pursuing it this route. BTW, my current job I'm only making 30K with very little potential for growth.

 

That 40K invested making even 4% for the next 30 years will yield more than getting into this business.

Do you have a college degree?

 

Yes, I graduated from ERAU with about 60k in debt... But as previously stated I only received my B.S., unfortunately I didn't have the money to complete my flight certs.

 

If you get into a career for the money, you are part of the problem.

 

Talk to an Air Guard recruiter. Opportunities abound for young aviation aspirants with a college degree.

 

Also just wanted to mention that I'am single, no wife, no kids. So subsequently if I make a mistake, I'm the only one who has to bare the consequences... BTW, I have very little debt besides the infamous student loans and ONE minor CC.

 

I would take the job but only so you can pay down your college debt.

Skyhigh

 

Just compensation is an important part of career evaluation. It costs a small fortune to get educated and trained as a pilot. They should earn far more than they do.

Perhaps it is people who enter the profession from the perspective that it is sacrilegious for pilots to ask that their careers be able to pay for themselves that are the problem?

In 1978 a USair 737 captain earned the equivalent of 420K in todays dollars. (They also had a great benefits package) In ten years they will be lucky to be able to break 100K. Aviation is becoming dominated by those who are happy living alone in a studio apartment on mac and cheese. And that is where the real problem lies.

Pilots use to get into the profession for the money. Not anymore.

Skyhigh

 

Tuff part.... Your making plans to work /sit in a compound for a year at 50K.
Year 2..... Hey well up you to say, 70k to stay next year.
Year3.....We would like to promote you to Head Cheese overseeing all Lower Cheeses,120 K....

You get the picture, Its a big carrot from year to year. Choose wisely.

If I sit in a compound, it will be to pay off a home loan, start a reasonable business, or something that would make retirement much better.

50K seems cheap to me.

 

I would NOT go overseas for 50K. I made more then that as an enlisted guy in 06' and us enlisted are not the highest paid guys in the bunch.

Some of the specialty jobs out there are closer to 10K/month. I have a good buddy from the Corps that pulls wires or something out there and is on his 3rd civi tour. He has always pulled between 7-10K per month.

Now if you are talking KBR to drive a bus around base or work in the messhall with the TCN's 50K is about right.