Nothing says "responsible member of society" more than plunging yourself into debt for a degree you're never going to use, in order to legitimize a skill that you already have.

NapoleonDynamite-itis. These people are also likely pretty good with a bo staff.

Nothing worrying about weighing the different factors ahead of time. Hard not to do that. Of course I realize that when I apply, I may not be offered an interview and CJO.

When at regional you apply everywhere as soon as you meet their posted minimums. After that you update them all weekly. All the while doing your online degree of you don’t have one. Then you try your best to get face time at recruiting events to improve your chances of getting an interview. Then you prep your ass off for the interview if you get it.

Once at a carrier that has the same name on the paycheck as the paint on the plane, then and only then do you weigh factors and pluses and minuses of keeping your apps out elsewhere.

Problem is that guys hired at regionals the last couple years have I’m some cases been given class dates without even a face to face interview the day they put in their app and often think that’s going to happen at the next level. Worse, some think a regional airline at the mercy of a legacy that moves flying around to keep their costs down is a possible career stop

Maybe bitter isn’t the right word. A lot of work for nothing? Maybe. I went to a traditional university and had some of the best years of my life. Worked terrible part time jobs, made lifelong friendships, surfed a ton, traveled a bunch, took road trips, was lucky enough to have some good times with the ladies before I settled down. Got to meet all different kinds of people. It was a blast.

Did I work for four years getting a degree I’m not using? Yes. Did it help me in my current career to get where I’m at? I have no idea. Would I have done it differently? Small things, sure. Big picture, no way. So bitter probably wasn’t the correct term. And this job helped me pay off all my student debt pretty quickly so that was nice.

I operated heavy equipment after high school for over a year to save money for college. I chose business finance as a major because it seemed like something worth learning.

I finished in three years because I didn’t have the traditional “college experience” of partying and sports and summers off. I worked 2-3 part time jobs at any given time and always extra classes. I didn’t sleep much.

I worked in finance for two years and had enough saved to cover my living expenses and all my flight training when I decided to make the career switch.

Is a degree worth the money/time? Depends on your life experience. I have zero debt from college or flight training, and I have a decent fall back if I lose my medical between now and retirement.

There are lots of ways to make a good living in this industry without a degree as well, and for a guy in his 40’s the cost/benefit of college is a lot different. If I was a young regional pilot with nothing else to do on overnights besides social media and avocado toast, I can’t see how you would justify not doing an online degree.

If I had to guess it’s not that they are debating putting in the app thinking they will get called up for an interview the next day, rather it’s debating if they would want to work for Spirit vs hold out for a legacy. Just a thought from someone who decided to not hold out for a legacy, so no need to attack.

I once asked a mentor which major airline would be best to go work for. His answer was, “the first one that hires you... at least until a better one offers a job”


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That's a dangerous game, but I see your point here.

Our LTD is offset by outside income. It needs do be changed. You’d be working for free.

Also I think you said you experience in your field but my finance degree did squat for me when I got furloughed. The argument was a recent grad is more relevant than one that graduated years ago and has to experience in the field.