I still don't get why a FedEx guy is here talking crap to the Spirit guys. What impact is in on you? Nothing, almost like you are jealous the Spirit guys are doing well.

 

Didn’t seem to me he was talking crap. And I work at Spirit.

 

I’m just trying to figure where you came up with this “fabricated story” of only working “half the month”, because nobody claimed that.

Like, ever.

$250k on fifth year isn’t hard. Apparently, fairly common. $300k is possible. And of course you have to work to get those numbers. Because duh.

 

I’m still an FO but if my math is correct, this year I will make less than a million dollars.

 

I think the issue here is everyone’s definition of “working hard” or “without breaking a sweat” is subjective. For some folks, having 12-13 off is great; others, 15-17 plus is ideal. It’s great to have choices at many different carriers. Times industry wide are good. Cheers to all.

 

Money is obviously very important but I must say the massive QOL improvements I’ve enjoyed since leaving my prior carrier has made the pay cut much more bearable for me. Sure my paycheck is small but I get to spend so much more time with my family. Can’t wait for year 2 pay but am extremely thankful that I have this time with my family. Can’t put a price on that.

 

And there you go.......

I’m just about to start training. I actually took my last flight at my now previous job yesterday. I spent 20 nights in hotels in October, but made a lot of money working for that company. I can’t wait for the QOL after I get out of training. The initial pay will definitely suck, especially since I’m about to go on training pay, but the money will come back. I’m ready for some family time next summer.

 

Once you get past reserve it is for sure. And that's happening quickly these days. I went from bidding 83% to 66% in my position in two months! Life is good.

 

The money does come back, but the summer is your best opportunity to bank. First year pay is criminal but you'll easily clear $100k on year 2 pay. I made just over $90k seven months into year 3 pay. That is averaging 14-15 days off and flying 199 block hours. However keep in mind 6 weeks of that I was out on FMLA leave, so no block hours flown and about half a months pay cut during that time.

Being a senior FO in base is a pretty sweet gig. I don't do four day trips unless it's some super sweet x list deal. I fly mostly turns, 2 days, and easy two leg 3 day trips down south. I'm rarely away from home more than 48 hours, which means less sodium infested airport food and more raw food cooked in my kitchen, better sleep quality in my own bed more frequently, and more workouts in my main gym.

I am not Mr. big money bags Fedex driving around in a lambo while picking up 22 year old Colombianas to go for a sunset cruise on my yacht, but I am healthier and happier than at any point in my career. I have a visible six pack, I'm not exhausted all the time, and I'm actually home enough to have a somewhat normal social life with normal people my age.

 

For a Floridian new hire just joining the company this fall, do you guys think time to get a line would be quicker in MCO or FLL? And by much difference?