Quit SWA for UPS?
08-03-2006, 10:29 AM
#41
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: B737 / F-16
Posts: 48
By Cargo Bob: Does it cold at Chicago Midway???
Yes it does - in the winter like every where else. Have you been watching the news lately. They're not exactly getting ice cream cones from the DQ to the car in Chicago these days. You know what the ANC high temp is supposed to be today? Somewhere between 68 and 70. I'm quite positive there's no other place in this country that has winter averages in the 20's and summer averages in the 60's, with 80 being a scorcher. In fact, I don't think there's any place even close, let alone a place that is a Major Airline pilot base.
BTW - I think they have family up here, or she's originally from here, or something to that effect.
Yes it does - in the winter like every where else. Have you been watching the news lately. They're not exactly getting ice cream cones from the DQ to the car in Chicago these days. You know what the ANC high temp is supposed to be today? Somewhere between 68 and 70. I'm quite positive there's no other place in this country that has winter averages in the 20's and summer averages in the 60's, with 80 being a scorcher. In fact, I don't think there's any place even close, let alone a place that is a Major Airline pilot base.
BTW - I think they have family up here, or she's originally from here, or something to that effect.
Last edited by av8instyle; 08-03-2006 at 10:41 AM.
08-03-2006, 10:36 AM
#42
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: B737 / F-16
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by OscartheGrouch
av8instyle,
I agree with CargoBob that there might be some other reasons why your friend left SWA. That being said it is very admirable that he would make the move for his wife's health. I even pointed out that the a spouse should be considered in the decision and it sounds like she was. Well thought out in my opinion.
The fact that he could be flying half of a captains line (and many do) for Southwest and make more $ at current rates than a 5-6 yr FO at Alaska and commute seems desirable to some. It is not all about the money and commuting does have its negatives which I have done for 13 out of 16 yrs. but living where you want and then being able to adjust your schedule for your family is also a plus.
While your friend's story will make us all feel good I am still waiting on a SWA-other scenario that has a happy ending. The question could also be whether there ever will be a happy ending until you retire and have "complete" control of your retirement funds.
I agree with CargoBob that there might be some other reasons why your friend left SWA. That being said it is very admirable that he would make the move for his wife's health. I even pointed out that the a spouse should be considered in the decision and it sounds like she was. Well thought out in my opinion.
The fact that he could be flying half of a captains line (and many do) for Southwest and make more $ at current rates than a 5-6 yr FO at Alaska and commute seems desirable to some. It is not all about the money and commuting does have its negatives which I have done for 13 out of 16 yrs. but living where you want and then being able to adjust your schedule for your family is also a plus.
While your friend's story will make us all feel good I am still waiting on a SWA-other scenario that has a happy ending. The question could also be whether there ever will be a happy ending until you retire and have "complete" control of your retirement funds.
So based on those factors and your comments the thing that would finally make this a happy ending is more Jack. Am I correct in that assessment?
08-03-2006, 01:10 PM
#43
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: B737/Capt
Posts: 998
Originally Posted by av8instyle
Well then I guess I would ask what your definition of a happy ending is. Because From what I understand they, as a family, made a conscious decision to quit SWA to get up to ANC and not have to commute. Since that time Alaska has made money, not furloughed, they're in ANC, he's slowly moving up the ladder and in fact holds a decent line, and he's being paid (after the Kastration) pretty much what he thought he'd be getting when he walked in the door.
So based on those factors and your comments the thing that would finally make this a happy ending is more Jack. Am I correct in that assessment?
So based on those factors and your comments the thing that would finally make this a happy ending is more Jack. Am I correct in that assessment?
As I said before it is very admirable of your friend to have made his decision in favor of his wife's health. We all have regrets, but I would say most of us justify our decisons so we don't make our lives miserable and damage our mental health by beating ourselves up. I would say I justify my decision by saying I like working hard so SWA is the place for me.
My monetary reference meant that with at least two weeks off flying half of a SWA Captains line the money would have been a little better even with commuting. I am all for he and his wife being happy without the big bucks and if he can fly out of ANC and be home more than I am happy for him.
I am willing to concede that this has a "happy ending" for them.
I would like to hear other success stories so that this SWA FO can make an informed decision.
08-03-2006, 03:12 PM
#44
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: B737 / F-16
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by OscartheGrouch
As I said before it is very admirable of your friend to have made his decision in favor of his wife's health. We all have regrets, but I would say most of us justify our decisons so we don't make our lives miserable and damage our mental health by beating ourselves up. I would say I justify my decision by saying I like working hard so SWA is the place for me.
My monetary reference meant that with at least two weeks off flying half of a SWA Captains line the money would have been a little better even with commuting. I am all for he and his wife being happy without the big bucks and if he can fly out of ANC and be home more than I am happy for him.
I am willing to concede that this has a "happy ending" for them.
I would like to hear other success stories so that this SWA FO can make an informed decision.
My monetary reference meant that with at least two weeks off flying half of a SWA Captains line the money would have been a little better even with commuting. I am all for he and his wife being happy without the big bucks and if he can fly out of ANC and be home more than I am happy for him.
I am willing to concede that this has a "happy ending" for them.
I would like to hear other success stories so that this SWA FO can make an informed decision.
As for the original poster, I personally would not have made the move that our guy did. But I do not have his circumstances. That being said, I would not make the reverse move either.
In my opinion, if you are still on probation with SWA and you are still itching to go I'd say I'd agree with a previous poster who said get the process started. You lose nothing by getting the ball rolling. Then when it comes time to put up or shut up, hopefully you'll have the info you're looking for to make a smart, unrash decision.
08-03-2006, 03:16 PM
#45
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: B737 / F-16
Posts: 48
One big thing that hasn't been said, and someone correct me if I'm wrong - UPS is not expanding near the rate of SWA so with same hire date assuming current growth (which I don't normally do) you would probably be a Capt with SWA while potentially still on reserve at UPS. Is that close?
08-03-2006, 06:06 PM
#46
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: 737 F/O
Posts: 6
The power of the inquiry.
Thanks to all for your input, especially DaneBramage.. I think this is the most respectable thread on the forum. No bashing, great info. 
Sometimes just the inquiry is all that is necessary to make one reflect on how good he has it. That is the case with me. I believe it is healthy to evaluate where you are and what you want from time to time. This is not the former Soviet Union, we are allowed speak openly about leaving our employers. While not foolish to consider changing companies I realize it is not the right thing for me. I'm actually re-stoked on what I have and thankful for it.
I'm de-activating this account so I'm "retiring" from posting. Thanks for keeping it above board. Take care!
Sometimes just the inquiry is all that is necessary to make one reflect on how good he has it. That is the case with me. I believe it is healthy to evaluate where you are and what you want from time to time. This is not the former Soviet Union, we are allowed speak openly about leaving our employers. While not foolish to consider changing companies I realize it is not the right thing for me. I'm actually re-stoked on what I have and thankful for it.
I'm de-activating this account so I'm "retiring" from posting. Thanks for keeping it above board. Take care!
08-04-2006, 11:56 AM
#47
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 183
If Chicago aint cold enough
My goodness!
It is admirable that he would do that!!
Now they have to worry about a whole new set of health risk factors associated w/ AK:
1. Virus spread by the massive swarms of mosquitos
2. Sleep issues associated w/ the high latitude
3. Alcoholism/drug abuse due to months of isolation and spread by hanging out w/ native locals
Obviously joking but....
I'd settle on Seattle/Portland/Norcal.
Did they think about the health risk factors of doing w/out medical insurance if UAL or AAL buys/merges w/ AKAL and they furlough...
All this sarcasm not necessary--I know--but leaving an airline (burning a bridge) especially a rock solid airline can be very dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is admirable that he would do that!!
Now they have to worry about a whole new set of health risk factors associated w/ AK:
1. Virus spread by the massive swarms of mosquitos
2. Sleep issues associated w/ the high latitude
3. Alcoholism/drug abuse due to months of isolation and spread by hanging out w/ native locals
Obviously joking but....
I'd settle on Seattle/Portland/Norcal.
Did they think about the health risk factors of doing w/out medical insurance if UAL or AAL buys/merges w/ AKAL and they furlough...
All this sarcasm not necessary--I know--but leaving an airline (burning a bridge) especially a rock solid airline can be very dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!!
08-04-2006, 12:11 PM
#48
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: B737 / F-16
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by CargoBob
My goodness!
It is admirable that he would do that!!
Now they have to worry about a whole new set of health risk factors associated w/ AK:
1. Virus spread by the massive swarms of mosquitos
2. Sleep issues associated w/ the high latitude
3. Alcoholism/drug abuse due to months of isolation and spread by hanging out w/ native locals
Obviously joking but....
I'd settle on Seattle/Portland/Norcal.
Did they think about the health risk factors of doing w/out medical insurance if UAL or AAL buys/merges w/ AKAL and they furlough...
All this sarcasm not necessary--I know--but leaving an airline (burning a bridge) especially a rock solid airline can be very dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is admirable that he would do that!!
Now they have to worry about a whole new set of health risk factors associated w/ AK:
1. Virus spread by the massive swarms of mosquitos
2. Sleep issues associated w/ the high latitude
3. Alcoholism/drug abuse due to months of isolation and spread by hanging out w/ native locals
Obviously joking but....
I'd settle on Seattle/Portland/Norcal.
Did they think about the health risk factors of doing w/out medical insurance if UAL or AAL buys/merges w/ AKAL and they furlough...
All this sarcasm not necessary--I know--but leaving an airline (burning a bridge) especially a rock solid airline can be very dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!!
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