tomgoodman

Like it or not, part of a pilot's job is "show business". When Marlon Brando once complained that he was having difficulty "becoming" the character he was supposed to play, Laurence Olivier advised: "In that case, why not try 'acting'?"

Planespotta

Do you have a personality disorder? (honest question) Maybe seek professional help?

Dougdrvr

I've always said "If you can fake sincerity, you've got it made."

Cessnan1315efw

It sounds to me that you may have something called social anxiety (SA). Whether you go 121 or cargo if I were you I would talk to your general doctor or consider seeing a social worker about that. I'm not trying to say that there is something seriously wrong with you but a lot of people have anxiety or problems when in crowds of people or in other scenarios. It would be best to try to fix that problem as I'm sure you'll be an overall more confident and happy person.

jsfBoat

Mike, I'm the same way, but I'm flying 121 Pax. Flying the B1900 there was nothing but passenger interaction, and now that I'm on the Saab 340, it's great. Most of my interaction with them is watching from my seat as they get on and off. I just deal with it and try to be helpful and smile to them when the situation calls for it, it's a part of the job. I'm wanting to go fly freight, but I still love this job. Bottom line is that it's manageable. Sometimes if they're in the same van ride to the airport, they will want to have a chat with them. If we treat them like dirt, how are we going to get above being "bus drivers" in their eyes?

USMCFLYR

I'm confused Jsf. In another thread recently you said that you were 80% sure that you were getting out of aviation altogether as a profession and now you are saying how much you love it and want to fly freight? What's going on to make you swap back and forth in such a way?

DrangonStar45

Same here. I also can not eat in public alone. I used to jumpseat to work for my previous employer which required me to be in crowded airports. But I have ways to deal with it. I always went to the seats behind the gate podium (when in uniform and with a badge). If the seats are taken by the crew members, I just found seats away from the crowd. Also the interaction between the passengers are very little and mostly pleasant. I ignore rude passengers, and help the nice ones. Locked away in the flight deck helps alot. If in the back, I just close my eyes if the passenger next to me will not talk or is rude. To me, being in uniform helps alot.
Now that I am in a small corporate flight department, it is much more easier. I know my passengers, and it is a real pleasure to fly them around. There are no strangers, since the I interact with everyone in the department everyday.

jsfBoat

I say I'm going to leave when I have a bad day, but I still keep coming back. Guess it's my way of dealing with things. Others will drink, I say I'm going to quit aviation, apologize for the confusion.

USMCFLYR

Well...I know you are still young in the aviation game and there will be many many more bad days ahead. Not suggesting you turn to drinking excessively of course, but turning your mind upside down everytime you have a bad and start thinking about leaving aviation is going to turn your mind to mush far to early. If I remember correctly, you have quite an interest in historical warbirds don't you? I'm betting aviation in some form or fashion is going to be a *part* of you for a long time.

I know about letting off steam though. I had a bad day at work quite some time ago and got exceedingly frustrated. I came up with a saying:
"LOAD THE PRISONERS!!" and it has become a small joke around the office that I yell it out whenever I get frustrated
Btw - it is in reference to me quitting and going across the airport and getting a job with *ConAir* (Much less responsibility I'll wager)

atpwannabe

jsf:

USMCFLYR made a good point and it applies to more than just aviation---life in general. Let me just add that we are trapped by our own words. Words are powerful. They determine our outlook and approach to life.

Hang in there! Persevere my friend and you will see the fruit of your labor.



atp