Career change to pilot
05-25-2008, 08:43 AM
#91
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 40,108
So far everybody who's posted seems to have a valid perspective...and it all seems to depends on where your road leads you.
Be aware that your personal road could go either way, and you probably won't know for sure until you have grandkids.
Be aware that your personal road could go either way, and you probably won't know for sure until you have grandkids.
05-25-2008, 09:56 AM
#92
Rubber dogsh#t out of HKG
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: Senior Seat Cushion Tester Extraordinaire
Posts: 625
Circular reasoning anybody? I can make the same argument of those who prefer the overtly optimistic view of this profession, particularly when they sit in a favorable position career-wise. It's no different. Optimism for the sake of itself has no value, it's just an opiate. People who are not affected by a certain reality are less likely to dwell on it, and are more likely to dismiss those who are. It's human nature.
I'm sick and tired of people quantifying people's vocational legitimacy for this profession based on how much you're willing to turn a blind eye to reality and "fly for the love of it". It's pure non-sense. Add to that the "attitude determines your altitude" crowd running in circles with the above statement.
There is nothing wrong with pointing out the cons with the pros. What is wrong are the summary judgments against an entire career path just because of what amounts to a few anecdotes of unfortunate turns. Yes, I know. Many pilots are "on the street" and it will probably get worse before it gets better and there by the grace of *God go I. However, that doesn't detract from my point.
I will give you that you're a much fancier writer than SkyHigh. However, putting fancy lipstick on a pig doesn't make it any more attractive.
To the OP. Once you have all of the facts in hand and you still want to pursue a career. Don't let anyone discourage you from doing so.
*for the record, I'm an agnostic.
Last edited by Radials Rule; 05-25-2008 at 10:18 AM.
05-25-2008, 10:05 AM
#93
Rubber dogsh#t out of HKG
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: Senior Seat Cushion Tester Extraordinaire
Posts: 625
05-25-2008, 07:18 PM
#94
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Posts: 69
Am I the only one here that thinks this guy should get an objective answer?? Everyone who is in the industry has a personal opinion on what the lifestyle is like, how the pay works out for them, if they are home enough, blah blah blah....
What it boils down to is can you afford to live on a salary of say $20-25K for the first few years if you had to? If you have the drive then just go for it, but do some research that will give you objective answers... Every person is different and you have to look at if its the right move for you...yes you CAN make really good money if you are in the right place at the right time, but that will be well down the road so you have to look at whether the job satisfaction is more important, or the money... Cause you will probably have job satisfaction right away, but not quite so with the money....
I got out of the military last February and finished all my flight training in April. it doesn't have to be a hard transition. I had done all my research, knew the costs and what it took to get there. I would not take it back if I could. If its really what you want, do it.... None of us should ever make up your mind by our opinions....
What it boils down to is can you afford to live on a salary of say $20-25K for the first few years if you had to? If you have the drive then just go for it, but do some research that will give you objective answers... Every person is different and you have to look at if its the right move for you...yes you CAN make really good money if you are in the right place at the right time, but that will be well down the road so you have to look at whether the job satisfaction is more important, or the money... Cause you will probably have job satisfaction right away, but not quite so with the money....
I got out of the military last February and finished all my flight training in April. it doesn't have to be a hard transition. I had done all my research, knew the costs and what it took to get there. I would not take it back if I could. If its really what you want, do it.... None of us should ever make up your mind by our opinions....
How did you manage to get finished with everything in alittle over a year?
05-26-2008, 07:40 PM
#95
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Objective
Everyones perspective is objective and to those who won the lottery of course gambling is great.
The problem is that those who are considering this profession are facing a much different landscape than those who started even ten years ago. New pilots today have to deal with huge training and education costs in the face of lowering wages and opportunities. As such it isn't really all that accurate to reflect upon our personal experiences and must attempt to project expectations from this point forwards.
When taking the last 30 years into consideration and then extending the path this profession has taken over that time 30 to 40 years into the future it paints a harsh picture indeed. Some are prepared to sacrifice and perhaps even understand that they are against a loosing battle. To those people I say "good luck and best wishes". Others however are trying to analyze this profession by using the experiences of pilots who started 20 years ago and are anticipating having a similar return on their investment.
In the end it is important to prepare ones self by predetermining goals and expectations. If making a good living, having career security and enjoying a healthy home life is of importance then perhaps aviation is not the best path. However if a newbie is a confirmed bachelor, financially independent or is from an established airline family then maybe the chance is worth taking.
For most a flying career is little short of outright gambling. Effort and ability can only get you so far. The rest is determined by luck, contacts and how badly you are prepared to mess up your life to get there. In aviation a few will leave the table with a stack of chips but in the end the house always wins and the odds are getting longer everyday.
SkyHigh
The problem is that those who are considering this profession are facing a much different landscape than those who started even ten years ago. New pilots today have to deal with huge training and education costs in the face of lowering wages and opportunities. As such it isn't really all that accurate to reflect upon our personal experiences and must attempt to project expectations from this point forwards.
When taking the last 30 years into consideration and then extending the path this profession has taken over that time 30 to 40 years into the future it paints a harsh picture indeed. Some are prepared to sacrifice and perhaps even understand that they are against a loosing battle. To those people I say "good luck and best wishes". Others however are trying to analyze this profession by using the experiences of pilots who started 20 years ago and are anticipating having a similar return on their investment.
In the end it is important to prepare ones self by predetermining goals and expectations. If making a good living, having career security and enjoying a healthy home life is of importance then perhaps aviation is not the best path. However if a newbie is a confirmed bachelor, financially independent or is from an established airline family then maybe the chance is worth taking.
For most a flying career is little short of outright gambling. Effort and ability can only get you so far. The rest is determined by luck, contacts and how badly you are prepared to mess up your life to get there. In aviation a few will leave the table with a stack of chips but in the end the house always wins and the odds are getting longer everyday.
SkyHigh
05-26-2008, 08:05 PM
#96
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,383
Great post. just had a lenghty reply, but I have fat fingers, and it disappeared. In a nutshell, I talked a little about some of the other forums, like jetcareers.com, and "career changers." I'm about the only one it seems to have a career in aviation only to long for some normalcy in another career. the guys on that other forum are engineers, lawyers, etc. looking to dump it all for aviation. i'm looking to dump aviation for one of those fields!! to each his own. I'm happy for the guys who enjoy flying so much that they sacrifice their families to do so. ( I used to and never will again). I will never discourage anyone to enter this field. they need to see if it is for them or not. I hope people have more luck than me. As I get older, I enjoy everyday now that I'm home. Everyday for me is day 8. (used to fly for flops). And no, i'm not sick of my wife, yada yada.
05-26-2008, 08:11 PM
#97
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: 747 FO
Posts: 937
Everyones perspective is objective and to those who won the lottery of course gambling is great.
For most a flying career is little short of outright gambling. Effort and ability can only get you so far. The rest is determined by luck, contacts and how badly you are prepared to mess up your life to get there. In aviation a few will leave the table with a stack of chips but in the end the house always wins and the odds are getting longer everyday.
For most a flying career is little short of outright gambling. Effort and ability can only get you so far. The rest is determined by luck, contacts and how badly you are prepared to mess up your life to get there. In aviation a few will leave the table with a stack of chips but in the end the house always wins and the odds are getting longer everyday.
For those considering starting or switching to an aviation career, don't listen to this Mr. Negative of aviation. He failed at his career and won't admit it is because he gave up. He is only trying to bring others down to make him feel better.
Aviation, like any other worthwhile path, is not without the challenges of ups and downs. However, with dedication, hard work and perseverance you will succeed. SkyHigh had none of these so he is bitter and determined to bring everyone down to his deluded level. This is why he hangs out on these boards and demeans the entire career path by making idiotic comparisons like gambling and an aviation career path. What a pathetic and sad man.
Last edited by Zapata; 05-26-2008 at 08:26 PM.
05-26-2008, 08:24 PM
#98
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: 747 FO
Posts: 937
Great post. just had a lenghty reply, but I have fat fingers, and it disappeared. In a nutshell, I talked a little about some of the other forums, like jetcareers.com, and "career changers." I'm about the only one it seems to have a career in aviation only to long for some normalcy in another career. the guys on that other forum are engineers, lawyers, etc. looking to dump it all for aviation. i'm looking to dump aviation for one of those fields!! to each his own. I'm happy for the guys who enjoy flying so much that they sacrifice their families to do so. ( I used to and never will again). I will never discourage anyone to enter this field. they need to see if it is for them or not. I hope people have more luck than me. As I get older, I enjoy everyday now that I'm home. Everyday for me is day 8. (used to fly for flops). And no, i'm not sick of my wife, yada yada.
It is incongruous for you to say that SkyHigh made a great post and then say "to each his own" because he doesn't think that. He thinks that it is not a viable path for anyone.....at all.
Also, a successful aviation career does not require the sacrifice of one's family. One's family might have to make sacrifices but, which worthwhile field does not involve sacrifice? My family has remained intact through hard times on many occasions.
Good luck and I hope you are well compensated from FLOPS getting sued.
Last edited by Zapata; 05-26-2008 at 08:29 PM.
05-26-2008, 10:22 PM
#99
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: S2c Backseat
Posts: 175
...
First, as a former FLOPS pilot, I feel remorse for you and the 75 other hostages that were terminated for doing your jobs safely and legally.
It is incongruous for you to say that SkyHigh made a great post and then say "to each his own" because he doesn't think that. He thinks that it is not a viable path for anyone.....at all.
Also, a successful aviation career does not require the sacrifice of one's family. One's family might have to make sacrifices but, which worthwhile field does not involve sacrifice? My family has remained intact through hard times on many occasions.
Good luck and I hope you are well compensated from FLOPS getting sued.
It is incongruous for you to say that SkyHigh made a great post and then say "to each his own" because he doesn't think that. He thinks that it is not a viable path for anyone.....at all.
Also, a successful aviation career does not require the sacrifice of one's family. One's family might have to make sacrifices but, which worthwhile field does not involve sacrifice? My family has remained intact through hard times on many occasions.
Good luck and I hope you are well compensated from FLOPS getting sued.
Dude!, quit talking in circles-you're loosing (lost) your street cred.
05-26-2008, 10:29 PM
#100
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Position: A320 FO
Posts: 79
Don't become a pilot, a doctor, a lawyer, or get an MBA if you want a normal life and want to work from 8 to 5. Some MBA's could have a normal schedule, but they are the exception. Sorry, but this is reality. Yes, some are safer careers financially, but is it really what you want to do for the rest of your working life......Zapata, I don't agree all the time with SkyHigh, but at least he is here to show us the other side of this career. We all like to think of the good parts, we like to hear the good stories, but forget many failed to get there. (This applies to many careers) Go for it, but know what you are getting into and if you have any doubts about it, maybe is not for you.
As far as family, my wife's dad was a banking executive and she only saw him once a week, and they managed to stay together all these years. If you have a wife who doesn't like moving, don't even think about it.
As far as family, my wife's dad was a banking executive and she only saw him once a week, and they managed to stay together all these years. If you have a wife who doesn't like moving, don't even think about it.
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