OP is moving to base. What kind of seniority is needed to do day trips on the 737? Doesn’t seem like it would take long with this movement. Shooting for that or reserve at times seems like it could really help him with nights at home. But to be honest, look at the W2 thread and the money for days away. There is no comparison. This thread is like a solution looking for a problem.

 

WB on a coast is the caveat still awesome

 

Definitely worth considering. You really need to consider if you are willing to move to a domicile (if you don’t already live close to one). There is better money as a contractor than as a commuting NB FO, BUT there is nothing easier for the money you’re making at this job. You’ll have less responsibility than you’ve had in 20+ years. If you’re in domicile, it’s a no brainer. Other than during the busy months, you can sit reserve, collect checks and forget you even work for that money most of time.

 

For us non-military folks, what is the contractor thing? Are you working for the government and making high six figures? Are you home every night?

 

The security clearance you have alone is worth a lot of money. Military experience as an Officer combined with your security clearance will get you hired at a laundry list of contractors in or near DC starting in the low six-figures.

 

And if you’re retiring, it’s pretty easy to find jobs in the 200s+, depending if you’re an O-6 or a GO/FO. That’s not limited to DC, either. But it generally is normal work week stuff and a lot of 1099 work, which isn’t for everyone.

 

Sounds like you military guys should quit for a better lifestyle elsewhere.

Tired of the complaining about Big-6 airline jobs. Yes, it's an actual job sometimes.

 

Certainly not me, I know how much that other lifestyle sucks. I passed up those jobs to fly for the Airlines. It's the easiest job in the world where you get paid this much. And those contracting jobs, you could be sitting pretty one day and let go the next with no protections.

 

that’s the problem. Uncertainty

 

I love your response. Yes I think we all understand it’s a job and a good one at that. One that pays very well, is pretty easy, and you don’t take work home with you. It’s basically a dream job except for those who have families that have issues with their loved one being gone. For non-mil types my guess is your loved ones kinda knew what they were getting into when they married you but despite what a lot of military folks say some of us were home a lot more than others and our families aren’t used to us being gone all the time. Couple that with the non-flying options that military folks have (guard, reserve, government, contracting jobs, etc) it causes a little bit of dilemma for us if our families aren’t happy with us being on the road. I’m definitely torn but I think I’ll apply at the big 6 etc and if I’m lucky enough to get hired I hope my family likes it but it would be nice to have the option to split a schedule with another pilot or give lines away early on as I don’t need to be the richest person in the graveyard and between my wife’s salary and my military pension, I don’t need to make a fortune to live comfortably.