To upgrade or to not upgrade?

[NickGurr]

I've been working for a large 705 carrier for the past 9 years, and I'm coming up next in line for a left seat upgrade in Feb of 2025. I will be at top FO pay scale In few months and the lifestyle is pretty good. I personally don't mind being a career right seater.
I'm reluctant to accept an upgrade due to a few reasons.

Firstly I would have to go on reserve, and that can last 4-5 years, before I'm able to hold a block. Currently I enjoy working only 12 days per month average and don't wanna sacrifice lifestyle and family.

Secondly, I'm not the type to micro manage anyone and don't want the stress of having the final responsibility weighing on me, especially when stuff goes south. I'm not looking forward to flying with new FOs.

As far as pay goes, I make a good ROI in trading and investments, so it makes up more or less for upgrade pay.

Whats everyone's opinion on staying a career FO? Is it frowned upon in the industry? Does anyone else know anyone whose been in a similar dilemma?

[cdnavater]

I've been working for a large 705 carrier for the past 9 years, and I'm coming up next in line for a left seat upgrade in Feb of 2025. I will be at top FO pay scale In few months and the lifestyle is pretty good. I personally don't mind being a career right seater.
I'm reluctant to accept an upgrade due to a few reasons.

Firstly I would have to go on reserve, and that can last 4-5 years, before I'm able to hold a block. Currently I enjoy working only 12 days per month average and don't wanna sacrifice lifestyle and family.

Secondly, I'm not the type to micro manage anyone and don't want the stress of having the final responsibility weighing on me, especially when stuff goes south. I'm not looking forward to flying with new FOs.

As far as pay goes, I make a good ROI in trading and investments, so it makes up more or less for upgrade pay.

Whats everyone's opinion on staying a career FO? Is it frowned upon in the industry? Does anyone else know anyone whose been in a similar dilemma?

Top scale at AC is 12 years, what type are you upgrading on?
I would think 12 years would have you off reserve on the narrow body fleet, near mid pack on most I thought.
As for the career FO thing, some belong there, not saying that’s you but I’ve encountered pilots who are great FOs and should stay that way. That being said, it always seems like a lack of confidence in their abilities, once you start making the command decisions, your confidence goes up rapidly.
I have a good friend who waited a very long time to bid the upgrade, he is a very competent pilot but worried a lot about the upgrade, he even had command experience at a smaller 705 before joining AC. I talked to him not too long ago about how he was enjoying the left seat, his only regret was not doing it sooner. Next will be the left seat on the widebody fleet, likely soon after the recent contract.
To answer your question, I don’t think it’s frowned upon, lifestyle is everything, part of lifestyle is financial and if you’re doing well otherwise, why screw with your 12 days a month just for the sake of upgrading, however mo money is always better!

[thepoors]

I've been working for a large 705 carrier for the past 9 years, and I'm coming up next in line for a left seat upgrade in Feb of 2025. I will be at top FO pay scale In few months and the lifestyle is pretty good. I personally don't mind being a career right seater.
I'm reluctant to accept an upgrade due to a few reasons.

Firstly I would have to go on reserve, and that can last 4-5 years, before I'm able to hold a block. Currently I enjoy working only 12 days per month average and don't wanna sacrifice lifestyle and family.

Secondly, I'm not the type to micro manage anyone and don't want the stress of having the final responsibility weighing on me, especially when stuff goes south. I'm not looking forward to flying with new FOs.

As far as pay goes, I make a good ROI in trading and investments, so it makes up more or less for upgrade pay.

Whats everyone's opinion on staying a career FO? Is it frowned upon in the industry? Does anyone else know anyone whose been in a similar dilemma?

Top scale at AC is 12 years, what type are you upgrading on?
I would think 12 years would have you off reserve on the narrow body fleet, near mid pack on most I thought.
As for the career FO thing, some belong there, not saying that’s you but I’ve encountered pilots who are great FOs and should stay that way. That being said, it always seems like a lack of confidence in their abilities, once you start making the command decisions, your confidence goes up rapidly.
I have a good friend who waited a very long time to bid the upgrade, he is a very competent pilot but worried a lot about the upgrade, he even had command experience at a smaller 705 before joining AC. I talked to him not too long ago about how he was enjoying the left seat, his only regret was not doing it sooner. Next will be the left seat on the widebody fleet, likely soon after the recent contract.
To answer your question, I don’t think it’s frowned upon, lifestyle is everything, part of lifestyle is financial and if you’re doing well otherwise, why screw with your 12 days a month just for the sake of upgrading, however mo money is always better!

Why are you assuming he's at AC? Could be WJ, Jazz, etc.

It's kind of odd to be a career FO at a regional. However, there are lots of career FOs at AC and WJ especially on the widebodies. Do some people look down on them? Yes. Should that bother you? No.

It sounds like you have what you want figured out, do what's best for you.

[Canadaflyer46]

WJ is 10 years to upgrade, and 17 years to hold a block in YYC. Lots of people will spend their career in the right seat here. Nothing wrong with that at all. Many people prioritize QOL over which seat they’re in, I believe that’s why a junior captain position at AC is so undesirable and can be held with only 2 years seniority.

[cdnavater]

I've been working for a large 705 carrier for the past 9 years, and I'm coming up next in line for a left seat upgrade in Feb of 2025. I will be at top FO pay scale In few months and the lifestyle is pretty good. I personally don't mind being a career right seater.
I'm reluctant to accept an upgrade due to a few reasons.

Firstly I would have to go on reserve, and that can last 4-5 years, before I'm able to hold a block. Currently I enjoy working only 12 days per month average and don't wanna sacrifice lifestyle and family.

Secondly, I'm not the type to micro manage anyone and don't want the stress of having the final responsibility weighing on me, especially when stuff goes south. I'm not looking forward to flying with new FOs.

As far as pay goes, I make a good ROI in trading and investments, so it makes up more or less for upgrade pay.

Whats everyone's opinion on staying a career FO? Is it frowned upon in the industry? Does anyone else know anyone whose been in a similar dilemma?

Top scale at AC is 12 years, what type are you upgrading on?
I would think 12 years would have you off reserve on the narrow body fleet, near mid pack on most I thought.
As for the career FO thing, some belong there, not saying that’s you but I’ve encountered pilots who are great FOs and should stay that way. That being said, it always seems like a lack of confidence in their abilities, once you start making the command decisions, your confidence goes up rapidly.
I have a good friend who waited a very long time to bid the upgrade, he is a very competent pilot but worried a lot about the upgrade, he even had command experience at a smaller 705 before joining AC. I talked to him not too long ago about how he was enjoying the left seat, his only regret was not doing it sooner. Next will be the left seat on the widebody fleet, likely soon after the recent contract.
To answer your question, I don’t think it’s frowned upon, lifestyle is everything, part of lifestyle is financial and if you’re doing well otherwise, why screw with your 12 days a month just for the sake of upgrading, however mo money is always better!

Why are you assuming he's at AC? Could be WJ, Jazz, etc.

It's kind of odd to be a career FO at a regional. However, there are lots of career FOs at AC and WJ especially on the widebodies. Do some people look down on them? Yes. Should that bother you? No.

It sounds like you have what you want figured out, do what's best for you.

I didn’t assume, he literally posted the same thing in the AC forum and here, nowhere else.

[whistlerboy02]

Might be time for a new username Nick

[NickGurr]

Might be time for a new username Nick

Why?

[CaptDukeNukem]

Might be time for a new username Nick

Why?

Well, everyone on this site posts their credentials before going to level 1 avcanada status. You can blur the name, but an industry Canada radio license goes a long way to level 2 avcanada status

[NickGurr]

I don't understand what you're implying. What exactly is it that making you emotional from my name?

[fliter]

Whats everyone's opinion on staying a career FO? Is it frowned upon in the industry? Does anyone else know anyone whose been in a similar dilemma?

Our next door neighbor's brother has been with AC for a couple of decades, as a widebody FO, while only recently upgrading. It was the right choice for him and worked out great.

Why would you care if it's "frowned upon"? Are you willing to sacrifice your and your family's quality of life to gain a few approval points in the eyes of a random coworker?? You really don't bring up any real positives to an upgrade, all you have is cons, so why are you even considering it? Just because it's "the thing to do"?

[davids01]

I've been working for a large 705 carrier for the past 9 years, and I'm coming up next in line for a left seat upgrade in Feb of 2025. I will be at top FO pay scale In few months and the lifestyle is pretty good. I personally don't mind being a career right seater.
I'm reluctant to accept an upgrade due to a few reasons.

Firstly I would have to go on reserve, and that can last 4-5 years, before I'm able to hold a block. Currently I enjoy working only 12 days per month average and don't wanna sacrifice lifestyle and family.

Secondly, I'm not the type to micro manage anyone and don't want the stress of having the final responsibility weighing on me, especially when stuff goes south. I'm not looking forward to flying with new FOs.

As far as pay goes, I make a good ROI in trading and investments, so it makes up more or less for upgrade pay. https://beachbuggyracingapk.net/

Whats everyone's opinion on staying a career FO? Is it frowned upon in the industry? Does anyone else know anyone whose been in a similar dilemma?

Your situation is more common than you might think, and it’s entirely valid to prioritize lifestyle and family over career progression if that’s what makes you happy. Here are some points to consider:

Career FO Stigma: While some may frown upon staying in the right seat, many respect the decision, especially when it’s grounded in well-thought-out personal priorities. At the end of the day, it’s about what works for you, not what others think.

Quality of Life: If your current schedule allows you to maintain a great work-life balance, and you don’t feel compelled to take on the added responsibilities and stress of being a captain, there’s no harm in staying put. You’ve found a sweet spot that aligns with your goals and priorities.

Financial Aspect: Since your investments provide additional income, the pay difference may not be enough to outweigh the lifestyle changes. Not everyone’s motivation is purely financial, and that’s okay.

Industry Norms: There are plenty of pilots who’ve stayed as career FOs for similar reasons—family, lifestyle, or just personal preference. Your decision isn’t unusual, and others in the industry will likely understand.

Ultimately, this is about your happiness and long-term satisfaction. If staying an FO gives you the balance and fulfillment you want, there’s no need to feel pressured into an upgrade unless it aligns with your personal goals.