Pssh. I’d go collect garbage if i got the same amount of time off and money as i get from flying planes. This job is a means to an end, not the end game itself. It’s just a job.

If push came to shove, yes. But all else being equal I still like to fly.

Same. If I had the skills to be a computer programmer and QOL was as good I’d do it in a heartbeat.

My brother does it, works from home. He works more than he has to because he enjoys it, but still has plenty of QOL. He is expected to be available for calls/email during M-F working hours, so he doesn't have as many unrestricted days off as I do.

He also cannot make what I do, unless he goes independent and maybe employs other programmers. The market is pretty portable, therefore pretty level.

Been there. Done that. Stayed a long time too.

Pilots do VERY well on the outside and typically make tons of money. Upper level managers love us.
And the desk/meetings/screens/cell phone sucks the soul from your body. With my eyes up in the sky over lunch my fellow Friday business casual friends would ask what I was looking at....

Tell us how does one stumble into a professional pilot career?

Someone could have loved flying and got into the career only to find out that the “job” part of flying 121 isn’t for them.

“What can I do with the skill set I have that makes the most money” was what did it for me.

I started out simply because at the time I thought that flying was fun, and to be honest, I didn’t know what else I would enjoy. Outside of our current situation, I still think that I have a great job. It pays well, I have a flexible schedule, far more vacation than most people, and a I get lots of days off. Another huge perk is that I never take work home with me. That is why I like my job, but after 20,000 hours, it is just an ends to a means now. If I had the winning lottery ticket, I’d never fly again.

I used to say this, too. I stopped saying it, because it’s CLEARLY not true. You’re a DAILY poster on this forum. And I come on here almost daily as well. This forum isn’t “the job”, but it’s certainly work related.