Leaving aviation

[JDA]

I got into renewables basically by trying to figure out how my current skills/education could be easily transferred to a new industry. wind, solar, etc. is a fairly new industry and there isn't any real trade certification (yet) so I knew I wouldn't have to overcome that hurtle. The funny thing is my company is full of ex-aviation people, hell my CEO was evolved various VP roles at Beech, Bombardier, and Lockheed. Also, my boss was an A&P for years so he knew I could do it when he seen my resume come across his desk....he loves aviation people. The position I was hired for was Operations and Maintenance Manager and 5 years later I have been given two promotions, I am now the Regional Director for Canada, sounds fancy but basically I oversee all our assets in Canada and report to our office in the states.

The industry is interesting and it is neat to be apart of an advancing technology. I have personally been involved in the development of new turbine designs, which is very cool. I don't take credit for anything, I just offer up my suggestions to help increase reliability. The funny thing is you get noticed for exceeding expectations and rewarded. I was never (I repeat, never) even told "good job" in aviation....but there were plenty of times I deserved an "atta boy". Some people feel they don't need any "pats on the back" and I was one of them until I started to receive them, I was really surprised how much it made me want to push harder and really do my best...crazy I know.

I have no idea what renewables will look like in 20 years from now, but I am glad I am here. The advances in technology year over year is mind blowing.

PM'd you...

[Oni]

here's one for ya>
I have been in the business for over 20 years. the current job will be shutting their doors shortly.. but extensive experience
I've had a few interviews this year.
seems to be they looked for excuses on anything. a good one was " we have you on file". nope sorry, we used to use that line when we interviewed people in our company

well, this week was the last straw.. interviewed with a company I have admired for a couple of years back in june. I was told how impressed they were with my experience ,etc. but needed to hire someone right away ( I was leaving the country for 10 days to see family I have put off seeing for 3 years thanks to good ole aviation).

told I was next on the list for hiring. I kept in touch with the Director of operations and the next thing they decided was to do sim evaluations . no sweat,,, sign me up....
I was more than prepared and re studied every inch of their website again in case the "chat" they wanted to do before the sim turned into another interview

now the sim,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, since they were both brand new on this,,, it was a regular gong show... the so called assistant chief pilot was clearly confused on what he was supposed to do acting as ATC.

both times I indicated to him we were on an unstable approach and tried to go along with it.., telling me to chase the glide slope down.. what ?? . he also admitted he wouldn't make it as ATC in the real world..

so yesterday , the news.... there is someone else with more qualifications IN THIS ROUND...........

I have sent the company emails on what had happened and my total disappointment with the entire gig...
there you have it folks,,,, my two cents worth

[Troubleshot]

PM's answered

[WASIE]

I left a year ago, after layoffs, pay cuts and the over all cynical nature of the business. Let me tell you the corporate world is very different then being on the line. Some may love flying and Kudos for them its very tough life. For me quality of life and pay were the determining factors for leaving. I now make triple and get to sleep in my own bed, and when I don't its in a nice hotel. I'd be lying if I don't look up at a contrail and wonder if one of my old buddies is at the helm and I do get the itch from time to time, but then I just go and rent a plane and that does it for me.

[helidougg8111]

I was just considering that again today!

After being berated and constantly shit on by anyone with more "seniority" than me, being labeled "not a team player", working ridiculous hours at the last minute and then being told that after finishing at 0330 that I was lucky to get the following day off and should expect to work more on the weekend because of such, I certainly felt like getting out of this ridiculous business.

We should all be so lucky to be working for our respective employers as without them we would just be another idiot on welfare with no prospects

Licensed now for 15 years and fully fed up.

The only thing that keeps me doing this is the requirement to support my family but at some point the scales will tip and lifestyle will come before finances. I'm also stuck in a dead end job, unless there is a mass exodus of people with more seniority, I will never be allowed to fill any of the higher functioning roles.

I have a "dream job", but it's not my dream, somebody else's with less imagination.

But hey, the struggle will be the same no matter what industry right?

REALLY, the only way to find out if the grass is greener is to hop the fence and check it out.

Best of luck in all of your endeavors!

hi pleased to meet ya! haha nice to see someone else with a real perspective ! im doing my duty as a decent human being to warn young apprentices and hopefuls of the bs they will begin to find normal as an ame. nice to see someone else slapping a little reality on em. anyone with 2 braincells to rub together should heed thy warning!

[helidougg8111]

[/color]

Welcome to reality and the dark side.[/quote]

ahhh i used to really enjoy yours and tellyourkidstogetarealjob 's posts

[helidougg8111]

PM's answered

be expecting another one, when i get verified by a moderator...