jsfBoat

Wasn't sure where to post this, so here goes. I'm 28 years old, unemployed pilot with CFI/CFII SEL commercial and 440TT and 6 hours of multi time, but haven't taken the ride 'cause I can't afford it. I'm very desperate for work and have to take care of my family (which I'm a failure at now) and can't even get a job at McDonalds flipping burgers (they think I'm too over qualified). I've tried every where for jobs, gas stations, restaurants, retail stores, but nothing. I'm on my 2nd to last course to complete my bachelors degree, halfway through my A&P and in the Army Reserves. The moral in my unit is so bad that everyone wants to leave and all requests (even for active duty) are being denied. The situation is so bad I'm $150 past due on my internet, I'm surprised that its still on.

Anyone else in the same boat, or can give me some suggestions to help the situation out. I hope that this counts as paying my dues to have a career in aviation. Thanks for any suggestions.

11Fan

Sorry to hear of your predicament jsf. So, here’s the deal. I was faced with some tough times at one point in my life. The difference was I only had one mouth to feed where you have several. Now this may or not may work for you, but what I did was start around my neighborhood knocking on doors and asking them if they needed any yard work done, painting or clean-up, whatever. This was back in the mid 1980’s so I said ten bucks an hour, whatever the job. If there were materials needed, they paid for it.

I was between jobs and thought I would only have to do it a couple of weeks. Turned out to be six months, and because of word of mouth, I got so busy I hired a guy to help. Six months later, my job came through and I stopped, much to my neighbor’s chagrin.

Keep track of what you make and report it though. People always need help with this kind of stuff. It’s a dose of humility at first, but all of a sudden, you’re the neighborhood hero.

Cubdriver

Hang in there JSF. I have had my share of hard times too. Many years ago I got out on a limb by doing too much charity work. I just didn't care about money, typical fate-to-the-wind 22 year old. I bought an old camper, took food stamps, did all kinds of odd jobs, you name it. You would be amazed how little money you can live on this way. That year I doubt if I made $5,000. When I realized my mistake of course I made some changes, but the point is that young people can get by with almost nothing. Life as a young pauper can actually be pretty good, surprising as it may seem. Really look at your costs and think radically about each and every one of them. Do the same for your income. Lots of people have odd jobs they have been saving and are waiting for a trustworthy young person to do them.

lakehouse

where do you currently live??

rickair7777

Hang tough, you have plenty of time for things to turn.

The family makes it tougher but on the other hand you have someone to talk to about this. Discuss options with your wife and make sure you are on the same sheet of music about the path forward.

As far as fast-food/retail jobs...when it comes to your flight training, what they don't know won't hurt them. What would your resume look like with just college and any non-pilot jobs? You might appear more palatable to them that way...they assume that pilots all make $300K and that you'll leave next when week when DAL calls you.

Have you tried getting a ramp job at your local FBO or commercial airport? Most airlines hire rampers on a pretty steady basis (due to turnover). It's quite common to see entry-level pilots on our ramp.

lakehouse

If you live in nj I need a weekend ground cordinator, could get ur foot in the door to fly but zero promises, email me a resume [email protected]

UASIT

Have you considered the military?

UASIT

Good on you...I don't do enough charity / community work...

Cargo Man

He is in an Army Reserve Unit.
You should be able to go on active duty. Don't ask for help from your reserve unit.
Have you tried to get an active duty unit to take you and help you with the paper work to go full time?....If that is what you want of course.

ToiletDuck

What's your location? Start there first. We'll do what we can.