Side jobs, income, business etc...

[Aspiredtofly]

I just want to know what you pilots have in backup when it comes to your education and job. Meaning when you get furloughed there must be some sort of income generating to survive during that period. The reason im asking is this because, first I have a Bachelors degree in aviation and now I'm thinking to go for an MBA or something. I want to keep flying and have a side gig(job, business etc...) through which I can being about extra income kept for savings until anything goes wrong with my career otherwise

[PostmasterGeneral]

You need a unique skill set of some kind. A fancy piece of paper didn't help anyone with the mass layoffs across nearly every industry during covid. I wouldn't waste your money.

[rookiepilot]

Lot’s of MBA’s and other fancy letter holders have tried their hand day trading Crypto and meme stocks.

Hasn't worked out so well.

[propfeather]

What are the skills you already have? What are you good at, knowledgable about?
Leveraging these will be a lot easier than starting from scratch just to get a piece of paper.

[yowflyer23]

Are there any sidejobs that work alongside a typical pilot schedule?

[DanWEC]

I had a background in construction and renovation, fell back on that during covid and started up my own company, just had to make a small investment into some new equipment, trailer, and refresh some tools. In 5 days of marketing I was backed up for a year, then the referrals kept it snowballing. Now, 2 years later I don't do much client work, as so much capital came in that now I'm able to focus on house flipping, and not entirely sure whether I want to even bother trying to work for a paycheque again in aviation. I love flying, I just don't love fatigue, hotels, and airports.

On a smaller scale, there are a of couple of "specialty" trades that one could get into without a ton of experience, minimal equipment investment or any real education that would allow you to do pick your own small jobs to do when you're off... I just wouldn't want to try and make them work full-time. Tiling is one (You can make $500 in a day doing a backsplash), and also painting. Lawn care as well is easy, but need a truck, trailer, and some equipment.
There's such a backlog in any sort of home improvement that you'd have no issue whatsoever throwing up a FB ad and getting a couple of 1-2 day jobs within an hour.
The only issues with these is getting a year or so under someone else to learn- But these are trades where you don't need a wide skillset or knowledge of building codes, framing, etc- and if you only take small gig jobs a few x a month they aren't backbreaking.

If you happen to have a more academic background in construction and code, or minimal working knowledge and are willing to take a 1 year diploma course, there's a new certification called BCIN, which is like a low-end draftsman + pseudo engineer. You basically just mark up people's ideas or designs for their own renovations and make them code-compliant for permit submission. Can be your own independent contractor and make an easy grand or so at a time for a few days on your computer.

If anyone ever has any questions on getting started in any of the above feel free to send me a pm.

[canadian_aviator_4]

Hey DanWEC, I am new to avCanada and unfortunately it won’t let me send pms yet. I was wondering if you could pm me regarding the BCIN. I am curious if you can get work immediately with it after completing the diploma? Sounds like a really good side business. Thanks!

[pitottubey]

I agree. A trade that doesn't require too much skill would be perfect

[daedalusx]

Lots of jobs can be done on the side: contract IT/Software dev, accounting, machinist, unskilled trades, sales, all of the soulless delivery jobs (amazon, uber, skip the meals, etc)

a MBA, commonly known as Major Bullshit Artist after a degree in "aviation" is most likely the most useless piece of paper short of a degree in gender studies, but you do you.

[rookiepilot]

a MBA, commonly known as Major Bullshit Artist after a degree in "aviation" is most likely the most useless piece of paper short of a degree in gender studies, but you do you.

Seriously, I love a continuing batch of new MBA’s to feed upon…

[negative_g]

Are there any sidejobs that work alongside a typical pilot schedule?

Uber. Lol.

[Bug_Stomper_01]

Are there any sidejobs that work alongside a typical pilot schedule?

Uber. Lol.

Yep lol

[Flight94]

While I don't currently use it along with my flying job, I have used my Class 1 drivers license numerous times over the years to fill in gaps. There is such a variety of truck driving jobs that I'm sure you could find something that would fit with your schedule.

[Bug_Stomper_01]

While I don't currently use it along with my flying job, I have used my Class 1 drivers license numerous times over the years to fill in gaps. There is such a variety of truck driving jobs that I'm sure you could find something that would fit with your schedule.

A lot of pilots do this in slow times

[Ash Ketchum]

I do contract software development on the side and have done so for several years while working as a full-time pilot. It's a good side hustle because it can be done from anywhere, is in demand, and has low start-up costs (laptop and internet). That being said it does have a learning curve to it. I don't think an MBA is needed for a side business and would honestly be a waste of money if that's your goal.

If you want to change careers into the management side of things however, an MBA from a US top 20 program can do wonders to your career growth. I am currently looking into this path because I am tired of the low pay/poor work conditions as a pilot in this country.

[justwork]

I own and run a residential construction company.

[Aspiredtofly]

I just don't get the point, simply no airline wants to uplift the track of improvement in terms of QOL, retirement and compensation. Where on one side we have these people who make more than what they used to and are still protesting for good and at the other we degenerates can't even think of opposing the current aggrement with the fear that we might lose our jobs and whatnot. I mean we still have better options of operators that are paying more than the big red, yet I still fear they might go bankrupt or its not worth making a career out there. Not sure how the government is keeping up with multiple immigration programs targeting nearly a million people each year from around the world to come and settle here when they can't control the massive housing price, huge toll on taxes, inflation and other things altogether. I'm simply fed up of everything, the rate at which the industry is moving isn't worth struggling anymore

[Bug_Stomper_01]

I just don't get the point, simply no airline wants to uplift the track of improvement in terms of QOL, retirement and compensation. Where on one side we have these people who make more than what they used to and are still protesting for good and at the other we degenerates can't even think of opposing the current aggrement with the fear that we might lose our jobs and whatnot. I mean we still have better options of operators that are paying more than the big red, yet I still fear they might go bankrupt or its not worth making a career out there. Not sure how the government is keeping up with multiple immigration programs targeting nearly a million people each year from around the world to come and settle here when they can't control the massive housing price, huge toll on taxes, inflation and other things altogether. I'm simply fed up of everything, the rate at which the industry is moving isn't worth struggling anymore

And that is why so many people have left and are leaving. These operators couldn’t care less, they know there will always be the green pool to draw from which they can manipulate into whatever form they see fit. Pilots and AME’s are the most expendable careers to have in Canada for that very reason PERIOD.

Absolutely nothing will ever change for the better unless there’s major reform in current employment legislation in Canada, which, realistically, will probably never happen. Employers know what they can get away with and will keep on down that track unopposed until then.

[EPR]

First Student is always looking for ATPL rated drivers, oh and they pay you for training!

[BigQ]

Made a good living driving truck during the pandemic, it's a very useful licence

[747-875]

Class 1 driver license for gap filling here as well. License wasn't super hard or overly expensive to get and I'm not sure I've ever looked at a job board and not seen something a person could use a class 1 to qualify for, and many of them are also interested in part time or on call to fill gaps and take last minute extra trips so perfect for working around an aviation schedule.

[XRS10]

While I am not on the pilot side of things, but maintenance. I have a side job through playing video games and writing guides for a certain website. Pay is $51 an hour CAD + a flat rate which ranges anywhere from $1500-$3000 per assignment. Usually takes 10-15 hours per assignment. If the work was more consistent I would have left aviation entirely during the covid downturn

[‘Bob’]

Hustle Culture needs to die an agonizingly horrible death.

[skybluetrek]

Hustle Culture needs to die an agonizingly horrible death.

[Choppermech1986]

I agree. A trade that doesn't require too much skill would be perfect

Such an ignorant comment. You clown.