KPer

And they’re losers too. If you need feel the need to use your profession to make a good first impression, then you screwed up somewhere along the way.

RJSAviator76

So, are the guys and gals who take part in Adopt-A-Pilot program losers too?

Yeah, I just don’t see the world in black or white like that.

60av8tor

Yeah, I don’t get this either. I’m reminded of when I was in college during the beginning of the grunge period (dating myself&#128516 and those that looked down on you if you weren’t in the ‘counter culture’ - you’re conforming, you’re fitting in to what society expects you to be… Ok, and you’re conforming as well - to wearing flannel, having piercings all over your face, and being a slacker🤣

This feels the same way to me. You’re trying so hard to hide what you do, that the appearance is that you think it’s too cool for the other person to handle. Yeah, I got it, no one wants to know within 30 seconds of meeting that you’re a “viper driver”, but if my occupation comes up, as it sometimes does in normal, initial meetings, I tell them and move on; just like they tell me.

Besides, while I respect and am grateful to be part of this profession, those that have done cool $hit in their lives know just how ho-hum and un-cool it is. What’s to hide???

Busdriver91

I interviewed two weeks ago and didn’t see little Ern or get asked the uniform question.

flyguy81

I think having extra-curricular hobbies (even if they’re still industry related) is healthy. It’s the people that live and breathe this place that are the ones pining for Age 70 because they literally have nothing better to do than be a SWA pilot.

I’m not walking around wearing 30 pieces of SWA flair either. I think if you really like where you work and want to advertise, that’s fine. To each his/her own. I think during contract negotiations, those who are “pro-company” often times are seen as “yes” voters (to some extent that’s true) and are looked down upon by others.

I’m not one to stifle someone’s fun…do what makes you happy.

waterskisabersw

At least they're talking about their current profession, not their last profession. Some people love talking about what their name was at their last job and the fact that all of their pic time they used to get here was upside down and with only one very pointy "jet" engine. I know a ton of people like that against my will!

Seriously though, most people in Europe, when they ask "what do you do", they are actually asking about what you do for fun, not for your job. This actually aligns with people like RJS, many doctors/lawyers/even pilots, etc., AS LONG AS their hobby involves doing extra curriculars related to their profession (GA, doctors without boarders, etc). If you just say what you do for your job in response to "what do you do" it can be a cultural faux pas, and you will immediately identify yourself as an American (which you may or may not care about doing).

KPer

You’re tying this to the Adopt A Pilot program? Not worth debating if you can’t see the humongous difference.

at6d

Interesting observation. I wish my parents would have taught me that being first generation and all…. I’m actually going to remember this and try to use it when traveling. It’s a good point.

But, doctors without boarders? Is that skaters, surfers, board shorts, or renters? 😁

Tankerhead

Why do you converse with Eurotrash?

waterskisabersw

Haha, you got me! That's embarrassing, time to beg forgiveness from grammar kitty.