Should I leave?
09-03-2020, 08:42 AM
#51
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,530
Originally Posted by firefighterplt
Lots of great advice.
The allure of a 9-5 job when it comes to spending time with the family tends to be a trap. Once you factor in the commute, getting ready, prep for the next day, etc etc, you quickly realize that you can’t really get much family time in during the week anyway. If you work more than 40hr/wk, forget about it—working for the weekend, as mentioned earlier.
If I had my pick, I’d rather be GONE 14 days and home the rest. It’s actually way more family time in real world conditions...especially if you live in base.
For me, COVID was the final nail in the coffin for my professional flying career...unless this whole thing turns around much faster than expected. I’ll be one of those “9-5” drones soon enough. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about flying (even gets into my dreams). I loved every minute of it while it lasted.
If I were you, I’d stick around unless you find something that you just HAVE to try...and not because of the salary, either. Something that stirs your loins, so to speak.
The allure of a 9-5 job when it comes to spending time with the family tends to be a trap. Once you factor in the commute, getting ready, prep for the next day, etc etc, you quickly realize that you can’t really get much family time in during the week anyway. If you work more than 40hr/wk, forget about it—working for the weekend, as mentioned earlier.
If I had my pick, I’d rather be GONE 14 days and home the rest. It’s actually way more family time in real world conditions...especially if you live in base.
For me, COVID was the final nail in the coffin for my professional flying career...unless this whole thing turns around much faster than expected. I’ll be one of those “9-5” drones soon enough. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about flying (even gets into my dreams). I loved every minute of it while it lasted.
If I were you, I’d stick around unless you find something that you just HAVE to try...and not because of the salary, either. Something that stirs your loins, so to speak.
There’s no substitute for being home. Even if you’re working. I’ve had to do both and I understand you’re basically 5 days on 2 days off in the real world but you’re still home. Being gone for half the month flying still adds up even if you are home the other half. The main issue here is if one will miss flying working non aviation. If you’re an av geek chances are you will. If you became a pilot to pay the bills too, you probably won’t.
09-03-2020, 09:28 AM
#52
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2016
Posts: 128
Originally Posted by Purpleanga
There’s no substitute for being home. Even if you’re working. I’ve had to do both and I understand you’re basically 5 days on 2 days off in the real world but you’re still home. Being gone for half the month flying still adds up even if you are home the other half. The main issue here is if one will miss flying working non aviation. If you’re an av geek chances are you will. If you became a pilot to pay the bills too, you probably won’t.
09-03-2020, 10:49 AM
#53
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2017
Posts: 627
Originally Posted by BoldPilot
I don’t understand why people even contemplate a job of being a pilot if what they want is to be home every night. It’s kind of common sense that this job takes you away from home. Yes, I know there’s places like Allegiant and a handful of others that you can obtain that opportunity, but those jobs aren’t plentiful.
I can't even tell you how glad I was to be gone. Sorry, but if one can't handle being away 3-4 days at once (or more) then I don't think this is the right profession for them.
If ones lives in or near base as a line holder, they definitely have more time off than most 9-5 as others have said.
09-03-2020, 12:19 PM
#54
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2020
Posts: 399
Originally Posted by Bahamasflyer
Absolutely agree. In fact I can think of a few reasons why I'd rather be AWAY from home! On my first IOE trip at my regional, I lost power back home for 4 days due to a (minimal) tropical storm the day after I left, and then had it restored two days before coming home.
I can't even tell you how glad I was to be gone. Sorry, but if one can't handle being away 3-4 days at once (or more) then I don't think this is the right profession for them.
If ones lives in or near base as a line holder, they definitely have more time off than most 9-5 as others have said.
I can't even tell you how glad I was to be gone. Sorry, but if one can't handle being away 3-4 days at once (or more) then I don't think this is the right profession for them.
If ones lives in or near base as a line holder, they definitely have more time off than most 9-5 as others have said.
When you’re on the road, SO knows you’re gone and it’s all on him/her. He/she has the lead. Simplicity. When you’re home? You’re off, free and clear, available to handle all things as they come. It’s very binary, and not at all fluid.
The friction and aggravation that results when something comes up at the office or the boss needs you to stay late or come in early or on Saturday at the last minute and now you’re scrambling trying to figure things out with your SO...horrible. That said, some women are better with that than others, so choose wisely...
I’m not saying that being home every night doesn’t have its merits (it certainly does) but it sure as hell isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Pick your poison.
09-03-2020, 12:38 PM
#55
On Reserve
Joined APC: Oct 2017
Posts: 21
I worked desk jobs for 20 years and was miserable for most of it. I tried to paste a smile on my face when I came home at night, but my family could always see through it. It took a toll on all of us.
Now as a regional FO, I make less money and spend a few more nights away each month. But when I’m home, I’m generally happy and fully present for the people I love the most.
Now as a regional FO, I make less money and spend a few more nights away each month. But when I’m home, I’m generally happy and fully present for the people I love the most.
09-03-2020, 01:12 PM
#56
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2016
Posts: 29
I think that’s why many of us enjoy this profession (minus the downturns) It’s not a 9-5. You work days, nights weekends/days ect. Lots of variation. When I’m off 3/4 sometimes 6/7 days In a row I spend more quality time imo with the family than I did doing my 40-50 per week 2 days off scattered in the mid week 9-5. But let’s be real some ppl need the time away from home for their own sanity lol. There’s a little something for everyone
09-03-2020, 01:19 PM
#57
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2016
Posts: 29
Sorry for the drift. To the op. It sounds like you prefer to fly then that’s what you should do imo. If you will be safe from furlough and money isn’t a huge factor then you may as well ride it out. If not & you want the non flying job take a LOA make sure your company allows you to retain seniority & longevity.
09-04-2020, 05:56 PM
#58
Gets Everyday Off
Joined APC: Aug 2016
Position: Relaxed
Posts: 6,948
If you are a pilot, OTR truck driver, traveling sales person, international business person, etc. you will not be at home every night. On the other hand, pilots are home more days than most people that work. Understand what you are signing up for.
09-06-2020, 07:36 PM
#59
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2016
Posts: 47
Well, I got offered the job. Now it's either poop or get off the pot time. After looking at the furlough numbers at my company it seems I'll be safe but I'll be commuting to sit reserve until things get better. I'm not a fan of commuting to pay for hotels to sit around and not be able to fly. Sitting around and getting regional FO money is not the ideal situation.
Well there's a lot of good advice to ponder. I see both sides of the argument. I do enjoy flying and I think a lot of poster brings up good points about missing flying when I'm doing the 9-5 rat race. However, if I sit reserve for the next 2-3 years flying very minimal then I would rather take the 9-5 cubicle life. If I can't fly then I rather make a decent living. I've inquired about a LOA at my company and waiting to hear back. Hopefully they'll allow me to take leave for the next year.
Thanks everyone for the input. It's been interesting to read all the different point of views.
Well there's a lot of good advice to ponder. I see both sides of the argument. I do enjoy flying and I think a lot of poster brings up good points about missing flying when I'm doing the 9-5 rat race. However, if I sit reserve for the next 2-3 years flying very minimal then I would rather take the 9-5 cubicle life. If I can't fly then I rather make a decent living. I've inquired about a LOA at my company and waiting to hear back. Hopefully they'll allow me to take leave for the next year.
Thanks everyone for the input. It's been interesting to read all the different point of views.
09-06-2020, 11:12 PM
#60
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,238
Originally Posted by Richmond454
Well, I got offered the job. Now it's either poop or get off the pot time. After looking at the furlough numbers at my company it seems I'll be safe but I'll be commuting to sit reserve until things get better. I'm not a fan of commuting to pay for hotels to sit around and not be able to fly. Sitting around and getting regional FO money is not the ideal situation.
Well there's a lot of good advice to ponder. I see both sides of the argument. I do enjoy flying and I think a lot of poster brings up good points about missing flying when I'm doing the 9-5 rat race. However, if I sit reserve for the next 2-3 years flying very minimal then I would rather take the 9-5 cubicle life. If I can't fly then I rather make a decent living. I've inquired about a LOA at my company and waiting to hear back. Hopefully they'll allow me to take leave for the next year.
Thanks everyone for the input. It's been interesting to read all the different point of views.
Well there's a lot of good advice to ponder. I see both sides of the argument. I do enjoy flying and I think a lot of poster brings up good points about missing flying when I'm doing the 9-5 rat race. However, if I sit reserve for the next 2-3 years flying very minimal then I would rather take the 9-5 cubicle life. If I can't fly then I rather make a decent living. I've inquired about a LOA at my company and waiting to hear back. Hopefully they'll allow me to take leave for the next year.
Thanks everyone for the input. It's been interesting to read all the different point of views.
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