Good old days?
 

Herc,

No, I was Webb 72-05. Moody was reported to be a paradise, but Big Spring TX was about 100 miles "below" Lubbock, and not just geographically. ;)

Go read my post again, I said that everyone should decide for themselves. YOU said that hard work and attitude will guarantee success in aviation...which is not even remotely true.

Hard work, attitude, planning, and luck will guarantee success in aviation.

Well Tom I was only 14 years behind you ... at Willy..... Yea Big Spring Texas ... gotta be paradise. :)

Luck....aka being in the right place at the right time.....is HUGE!!

Sure, if one comes from the standpoint of nothing in life being guaranteed, then you're right. However, hard work, perseverance and attitude will guarantee success in aviation as much as these qualities would in any other career path. In this context, it is absolutely true. This is what this thread is about; Choosing or changing career paths. Anyone (not talking about you) that unconditionally advises against an aviation career is overly pessimistic. This is why I stay on SkyHigh for his negativity towards the profession. Aside from his exceptions (independantly wealthy, sugar momma etc.) it is not a viable option for anyone with modest means in his mind.....which is BS.

Yes, a little luck can be involved but hard work, attitude and perseverance prevails. It is these elements that will get one through the bad luck times because success has more to do with how you get up when you're knocked down. If you get back up enough, you make your own "luck".

I'd agree with most of this. I'm definately one of those people who believes I can steer some of my own destiny. But aviation has more uncontrollable factors than other professions. Either of these can be career killers...

Medical Problems: You can minimize this risk if you eat right, exercise, and generally take care of yourself.

Your employer shuts down. No biggy at age 25, but at 55? Not a good time to start all over, and there's almost nothing you can do to prevent this from happening to you. A lot can change in 25 years... :eek:

In most other professions, you don't need a medical, and if lose your job you just go find a new one...probably making more money.

People need to know that there are more risks in aviation than in traditional career fields...but the potential rewards are better too. If you actually end up as a widebody CA at age 55, you probably make more money and have better QOL than most of your college buds. But there are no guarantees, and is it worth the risk to try? We each have to answer that one ourselves.

Bitter about Aviation
 

It is true I do feel cheated by aviation. When I was evaluating this profession I did not have access to a place like APC to fill in the blanks. I don't believe that most people really understand what they are getting into.

Flying is unlike most other professions. It requires far more investment and risk to receive the promise of an inferior return when examined purely from a financial and QOL perspective.

If I had the opportunity to do it over my choices would be very different.

The odds of making it to UPS are 146 to one. So I agree that some will make it. However most will not. I am not looking for a guarantee just better odds.

SKyhigh

Sky why don't you take a trip to NYC or Los Angeles and get together with a group of struggling actors or musicians and give them your sob story including how "unique" aviation is to lots of hard work and struggle for inadequate rewards or miniscule odds of making it to the bigtime. I'm sure THEY could all use a reality check on the plight of the modern day pilot to bring their choices into perspective. Maybe make a stop in D.C. as well and continue your quest for sympathy with some political interns with aspirations of high office in our govt someday that odds are won't make it. After all these trips I suggest making sure your humble pie is wrapped up tight for the ride home so you can still have a few slices at home when you get back.

We finally hit rock bottom, the only group of people we can find who have longer odds than pilots are struggling actors and musicians. lol jk

(rolling eyes) ;)