Worth the Hardwork or not?
06-24-2006, 07:10 AM
#21
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Sadly Yes
Originally Posted by cynical
You sound like you have your mind already made up and don't want to hear anyone's opinion that differs from yours. You are focusing on the one area of aviation that's the most unstable, least profitable and with the lowest long term earning potential, passenger flying. You sound like the type that has to be seen strutting through the terminal in your uniform so all the kiddies can see you and ogle over the sight of an "airline" pilot. You should do good in the mighty RJ. Problem is, that will probably be the biggest thing you ever fly. There is no way the passenger side will ever return to it's glory days as you say. The regionals, kids like you and mainline management who sees that they can take advantage of you will see to that. Good luck with your "dream" and hope it doesn't become a nightmare for you. One last thing, no matter how much you may "love" flying, after awhile it does become a "job" and you will grow tired of it. You better be sure that when this does happen that you haven't paid a too high of price to get to the point that it is just a job, especially when you fing yourself stuck at a regional your entire career.
You may love flying but it doesnt mean that flying will love you back. In life it is important to find mutually beneficial relationships. Pilots these days seem to have a bad case of beaten wife syndrome. They are taking a savage beating and more keep on coming because they "love flying".
SkyHigh
06-24-2006, 07:57 AM
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Posts: 498
Originally Posted by SkyHigh
You may love flying but it doesnt mean that flying will love you back. In life it is important to find mutually beneficial relationships. Pilots these days seem to have a bad case of beaten wife syndrome. They are taking a savage beating and more keep on coming because they "love flying".
SkyHigh
SkyHigh
Newbie pilots, remember those words!
06-24-2006, 08:30 AM
#24
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Posts: 498
Originally Posted by Brav989
Well, is it really that bad to stay with a regional for a career? Sure the pay will never be as great, you will always fly smaller aircraft and it won't be too glamourous. But is it really that bad of a choice?
Only you can answer that question. But, you have to ask youself this question. Did you get started towards an airline career with the goal of a career at the regionals? I'd say, almost none of you would say yes, but unfortunately that's where most of you will end up. So, is it worth it?
06-24-2006, 08:34 AM
#25
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Bad Choice ??
Originally Posted by Brav989
Well, is it really that bad to stay with a regional for a career? Sure the pay will never be as great, you will always fly smaller aircraft and it won't be too glamourous. But is it really that bad of a choice?
I was at a graduation party at CWU recently and several new grads in construction management and accounting already had starting positions that payed 50 to 70K per year. By comparison a regional career isn't so good. It might take you ten years to break 50K per year from graduation day and pilots have the extra burden of paying for flight training. In addition, we all have witnessed that the airlines have been sliding steadily down hill and it will never go back to the way is was. I am sure there is a bottom somewhere but I wouldn't want to start an aviation career to find out.
Flying might be fun but it is no fun to be poor, overworked and lonely while your college peers in other professions are buying houses, taking vacations and building families. A lot of things in life are fun. I like XBox, but it doesnt mean I should try to make a living at it. I would consider what your other options are and perhaps pursue aviation as a hobby.
SkyHigh
06-24-2006, 08:35 AM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by kansas
This may draw some flames, but I just don't care, because it is the truth to me...
Flying is in my blood. It's what I do. Granted, several other things are in my blood (golfing, running, talking too much) that keep me a well-rounded person, but when it comes to jobs that pay, I just can't see myself doing anything else. In fact, I have done other things, and hated them passionately. While some jobs will pay better, many of those jobs will have you sitting at your keyboard for at least eight hours per day, going nowhere. Trying not to fall asleep after lunch is your excitement for the day. One cream or two in your coffee is a big decision. And when it comes down to it, your "view" consists of the same people, the same desk, etc. etc.
It's tough. It's been tough already. And it is probably going to get tougher. But that is life. Best of luck...chase your dreams.
Flying is in my blood. It's what I do. Granted, several other things are in my blood (golfing, running, talking too much) that keep me a well-rounded person, but when it comes to jobs that pay, I just can't see myself doing anything else. In fact, I have done other things, and hated them passionately. While some jobs will pay better, many of those jobs will have you sitting at your keyboard for at least eight hours per day, going nowhere. Trying not to fall asleep after lunch is your excitement for the day. One cream or two in your coffee is a big decision. And when it comes down to it, your "view" consists of the same people, the same desk, etc. etc.
It's tough. It's been tough already. And it is probably going to get tougher. But that is life. Best of luck...chase your dreams.
As you get older, having something to show for acheivement becomes more important for personal satisfaction.
Yes it is a hard road, and you are the only one who has to answer to yourself
on this subject. But the years go by... and cannot be replaced.
Regret is one of the most pitiful aspects in life, dont let yourself become a victim of it.
06-24-2006, 08:46 AM
#27
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Regrets
Originally Posted by Cass
Amen brother!
As you get older, having something to show for acheivement becomes more important for personal satisfaction.
Yes it is a hard road, and you are the only one who has to answer to yourself
on this subject. But the years go by... and cannot be replaced.
Regret is one of the most pitiful aspects in life, dont let yourself become a victim of it.
As you get older, having something to show for acheivement becomes more important for personal satisfaction.
Yes it is a hard road, and you are the only one who has to answer to yourself
on this subject. But the years go by... and cannot be replaced.
Regret is one of the most pitiful aspects in life, dont let yourself become a victim of it.
Regret goes both ways. It isn't difficult to conjure up a few on this forum who regret the 1000 per month payment that they make to a dead career.
Idealism in youth can put us places later in life that we are not so happy about. As we get older money and the comforts it brings is worth a whole lot.
Skyhigh
Think a little first.
06-24-2006, 09:02 AM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Ever since I was little I had thought about being a pilot. Never seriously looked into it until last year, but was still not 100% decided. My uncle brought it up again and I decided to look into it, and thought maybe i'd give it a shot. Though job security and everything along with the airline business still weighs on my mind. One of his college friends is a senior capt. with AWA/USair and he is supposed to set it up so I can 'pick his brain'. Just hope he gives it to me straight.
06-24-2006, 09:04 AM
#29
Administrator
Joined APC: May 2006
Position: C-172
Posts: 8,024
CWU, you are still young and just starting out in life. Your signature ("in for the long haul") tells me something about you. It's obvious you love flying and I say you give it a try. If you find later on that you've made a mistake, or would like to do something else, you can always change. Trust me, I know about making career changes. However, SkyHigh is correct in thinking about a back up plan at the same time. It doesn't hurt to have one, or at least be thinking about one. Many of the folks on this forum have been where you are now. Listen to them, and make up your own mind. You have your whole life ahead of you and I wish you the very best.
06-24-2006, 09:09 AM
#30
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 193
Like others have said, do what you think is right for you. I flew for a regional for a few years, then walked away from it. I have an aviation management degree, so I went to work in airport operations and management. HUGE mistake. I made more money, yeah, and it was more stable no doubt, but after a few years of that I went running back to flying for a living. The whole corporate/meetings/kissing the bosses ass thing/office work is not my style. Don't go into flying to get rich. Personally, I think those who place money as the top priority for a job are going to be let down in one way or another. Do what fits your personality, style, and goals. Do what you won't dread waking up to each day. Regional flying can sometimes be a tough job, and the management loves to stick it to us, but nearly everyone I personally know of in any industry goes through the same thing (unless they are the owner/ceo/high management). Good luck in what you decide.
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