TheBaron

I have been pretty lucky (and hard working) and can't think of a better career...but CNBC doesn't seem to agree.

News Headlines

Lowlevel

True, some have had a good ride...no furloughs, good companies, good bid lines, and so on. But, although I really do love my job, I think it is most times overrated.

Where else could you work where you can spend up to $100K to learn, then start at $18-20k a year?

Where else do you have to deal with the stress of being furloughed at any moment, should the fuel prices go up a few cents?

Where else can you work a 16 hour day, only to be paid for 1/2 of them (or less!), plus no overtime?


Where else can you be away from home 20 days or more, and again, make $20k a year?

Where else can you gain 20 years experience, then go to another company, and start over at first year pay...no matter how much experience you have?

Sure, you can say that, in this day and age, anyone can lose their job. That said, it seems that the airline industry is much more fickle than most industry.
Most people hear the hourly pay of pilots, and think 40+ hour weeks. We all know that isn't the case.
It is a wonderful job, that you can't deny. But, you must admit, in the eyes of non-pilots it is seen as a lot better than it really is.

USMCFLYR

I'll agree with this in much of the content as far as an *airline* career goes and which is how the article is slanted though "commercial pilot" could mean many things when used in the correct context.
Out of all of those other jobs listed though, only the medical ones held any possible interest for me outside of aviation. I don't know if they are overrated or not, but I know that none of them were right for me.

USMCFLYR

xjtguy

The old adage applies. It's a cool/fun job. But for many of us, it can be a crappy career.

hurricanechaser

Most normal people work 160 hours a month and get paid 160 hours a month. Pilots work 160+ or at least their on the job that long but only get paid 80-100 hours a month. I wish they would point that fact out to the student pilots at the puppy mills. Maybe some would reconsider.

Also with only getting paid half the hours your on the job. A $30/hour pilot job is effectively the same as a $15/hour normal non-pilot job.

dashtrash300

12 Most Overrated Jobs | Power Your Future - Yahoo! Finance

dashtrash300

12 Most Overrated Jobs | Power Your Future - Yahoo! Finance

The Juice

Finally! A semi-accurate statement about the job. However, that salary makes most regional pilots come up a little short

Kramerica

I think the overrating was overrated, I barely feel any stress on the job, the only thing that makes it bad for me is being away from home.

USMCFLYR

Already being discussed here:

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/ha...ated-jobs.html

USMCFLYR