I suggest finding a profession that doesnt require such a huge investment and risk to get started. A profession where you are valued by the market place and that offers a bright future. And, one that offers experiences that can broaden your career options in life.

People have many sides. Just because you want to be a pilot doesnt mean that if you looked you wouldn't find something else that pulls your interest even more. I have always believed that if someone has the drive and determination to become an airline pilot then they possess the ability to do much more in life than just sit in the chair half asleep from ILS to ILS.

The world will always need pilots but the profession is undeniably in decline. Pilots today earn half as much as 20 years ago, work much harder and will loose even more in the future. The investment just isn't worth it anymore.

SkyHigh

 

I know. I was directing it towards Saab. I think he knows why.

 

Their are several professions that have declined and many that simply aren't around anymore due to outsourcing. Aviation is not alone in this age of pay cuts and job loses.

 

Yes and that is exactly why you should find a profession where you build skills that are transferable to other industries or professions. Pilots are highly specialised and develop a narrow skills set. If you loose your medical there are few worthy options.


SkyHigh

 

I know what you mean here. Even though I'm just starting out I've thought about this already. I mean I like my job but there is no creative growth whatsoever. Obviously this job is a lot of mental work, but it's mostly repetitious procedural type of mental work.. I'm not saying the job isn't important, and of course it IS, but there isn't like a product or idea you develop, that you can feel personally fulfilled about. It's not like you help improve the world in any little way. I mean obviously transporting your pax safely is a very important responsibility, but as long as you do your job right which most of us do since there are very few airline accidents, it's not something that really makes a difference in the lives of others. The job is very cut and dry. To me, it's missing this... reward aspect. I like flying and I like my job, but at the end of the day I don't get that fulfilled feeling.
Don't mean to be preachy here, but I finally agree with you on something here, Skyhigh!

 

I always thought of airline work like the movie Ground Hogs Day. It was the same thing day after day until my life became a blur. It was a never ending string of three and four day trips that strung out into eternity. The same 9 cities the same hotel rooms month after month. What value is that?

I don't mind putting up with hardship or less but there must be something. The job should offer pay, benefits or at least some job satisfaction but sadly it is mostly void of all.

SkyHigh

 

Jobs that are repetitive every day get old really fast. I would like to find a job that is challenging and different everyday. Something were you never know what is going to happen.

 

Well then the airlines are definitely not what you are looking for.

SkyHigh

 

I can give you the name of a great Army recruiter...

 

If you despise the airlines so much, GET OFF the airline forums...... Stop worrying about our "problems" and go do something with your time rather than lecture us, no one cares..... you must lead a fantastic life, if all you do is sit on an internet forum and argue with young pilots....we dont care what you have to say!