Has anybody given up?

[Beefitarian]

I went to wing night and ordered WAY too many wings.

After a few hours, had to give up.

I’m disappointed in you. That story usually ends on how they refused to continue service and escorted you out.

Yeah, getting old is kind of a bummer.

[alkaseltzer]

A few years ago I started with a goal of working for a big airline in a few years, I was in my mid 20's and didn't have to money to commit to flying so I just studied theory and saved up for the flying. 4 years later I've been flying as much as I can but due to weather and how busy schools have been I'm multiple years into getting a PPL and there is still no end in sight! A lot of drama at the school has really taken the wind out of my sails as well.

Even in the best of times a year ago the industry entails 5 or 6 years of poverty wages living somewhere far away (so all your income goes to rent) before you get get into one of our two major carriers. If you don't own a place you're SOL and unlikely to ever be able to afford ot buy one.

Even once your in the pay, and job security is pretty terrible for the first few years. It looks like things are actually going to be even worse after the recovery due to weak bargaining.

I'm not sure if anyone else will disagree but I feel if you're in your 20's or 30's this career will take a giant bite out of you, and washing out with leave you with a lot of regret.

1. Plan. Pumping gas at the FBO won't help you save enough money for flight lessons; but a McDonald's manager position would put you way further (to illustrate)

2. If you don't come from a rich family/financial backing, still get involved. Majority of the "rich" pilots don't make it "that" far ahead, they usually have piss poor pilot decision making. I'm talking about young to older people who grew up with the gold spoon.

3. It's NEVER too late. I've taken breaks. It happens. Life happens. It's okay.

4. Don't fall for any promises. There are those that will treat this like a "casting couch". Those type of employers, avoid. Treat yourself like a business, and you are the CEO and shareholder.

5. Flight schools are not your friend. They don't give a shit about your progress. They want billables. Figure out another way (block time for example), or find a good school. Rates aren't everything, the character of the people running the show are. You won't get that in any major flight school in a metropolitan area; you need to go into the boonies.

[rookiepilot]

Newly Grounded,

I apologize for my previous insensitive response to your dilemma.

Career decisions are extremely difficult and no more so than these current days of great uncertainty in the world. It is not easy and if you are uncertain of your path, such decisions should not be rushed. Try to remove the pressure, self imposed or otherwise, until your vision is clear.

I don't think anyone can make the decision for you, on whether any ambitious career path like professional flying is worth the sacrifices, obstacles, and possible long wait to be compensated and enjoy a positive lifestyle. It so much depends on what you want most out of your professional life, but other factors as well.

If I have a check in my spirit about a major decision, that is a yellow flag to me, to evaluate and count the cost carefully before proceeding.

As I posted on the other thread, the most ideal career, is doing something for a living, you love so much you'd do it for free, if you could.

I sincerely wish you the best in your search.

[newlygrounded]

Newly Grounded,

I apologize for my previous insensitive response to your dilemma.

Career decisions are extremely difficult and no more so than these current days of great uncertainty in the world. It is not easy and if you are uncertain of your path, such decisions should not be rushed. Try to remove the pressure, self imposed or otherwise, until your vision is clear.

I don't think anyone can make the decision for you, on whether any ambitious career path like professional flying is worth the sacrifices, obstacles, and possible long wait to be compensated and enjoy a positive lifestyle. Itout of e.

Thank you Rookie, I read most of what you wrote earlier and I'm sorry for your loss :/

[rookiepilot]

Newly Grounded,

I apologize for my previous insensitive response to your dilemma.

Career decisions are extremely difficult and no more so than these current days of great uncertainty in the world. It is not easy and if you are uncertain of your path, such decisions should not be rushed. Try to remove the pressure, self imposed or otherwise, until your vision is clear.

I don't think anyone can make the decision for you, on whether any ambitious career path like professional flying is worth the sacrifices, obstacles, and possible long wait to be compensated and enjoy a positive lifestyle. Itout of e.

Thank you Rookie, I read most of what you wrote earlier and I'm sorry for your loss :/

Thank you for that.

I did not learn to fly until later in life. I never seriously considered a professional pilot career, I am content with the personal and volunteer flying I've done.

I like to figure stuff out, untangle economic issues, that led me into my career I'm in now.

Everyone is very different.