So I have been looking around the forums and what people are saying definitely does not make the airline pilot career path very appealing. Low pay, furlough, pilot oversupply ... yada, yada, yada ... I've heard it all.
With this said, its what I have wanted to do my entire life. With the compensation set aside, how is this career? Here my story:
I am 24 years old and live in Michigan. I have just finished my BS in Business Administration and am currently working full time and most likely making more money per year than what everyone is saying about regional FO's. But I'm not satisfied with it. I am also married, and own a home.
Though I love my life, I miss flying. My wife tells me to go for it which definitely makes me feel better considering the debt I am about to incur if I move forward with this. But I need some direction .. I can't do ATP Flight School because I have a life and have to keep working full-time (and it's ridiculously overpriced). With this said, I am thinking about just gaining my PPL, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI here at our local airport; most likely Part 141.
I would assume after I get my certs, I just instruct and maybe "fly on the side" to gain hours? I know its the "long route" but that seems to be the only practical way considering my other real-world obligations.
Let me know your thoughts, I'd be interested to hear what you all have to say.