How Long?

Switchfoot · Post by **Switchfoot** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:12 am

While driving to the airport this morning, I started thinking back on the past several years of flying and thought of this question: How long has it taken me to come this far and how many sacrifices have I made to work as a pilot?

I started in 1997. I've had 5 different places of employment (all flying), been laid off once, quit once, and moved 6 times since the summer of '97. All because of flying. I've given up many of my hobbies just to get ahead. I've lost girlfriends over this line of work (but who hasn't ??), lost friends (pilots and non-pilots), and made little to no money (until just recently). I'm 27 years old and have 2200 hours.

BUT, I'm still flying and I still love it (most days). I haven't achieved all of my goals, but I'm working towards them. Would I do it differently if I had another chance? You bet! But I'd still be around an airplane somehow. The great thing is that I'm still young enough to make some changes if I don't like the way things are going.

I'm starting to realize that it's time to enjoy some of the other things in life too, not just flying. It hasn't always been an easy path to follow, and still isn't, yet there is something about this life that keeps me coming back for more.

Just wondering about the rest of you guys/gals? What are some of your stories and sacrifices? How long has it taken you? Are you where you want to be?

Switch.

KAG · Post by **KAG** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:38 am

Switchfoot.
Like you I started in 97, and I have made a lot of sacrifices: moved 12 times in 10 years, lost girlfriends, lost touch with friends, missed family events, and it was only 2 years ago I bought something that I couldn’t fit into or on top of my car.

It took a brief stint of unemployment 3 years ago to make me realize I had no life outside of flying. Since then, I have finally found a nice balance between work and life.

I think as professionals serious about our careers we are forced to follow a difficult, constantly changing path, making many sacrifices.

Is it worth it? I believe so. I earn a really good wage, love the city I live in, and adore the woman I’m dating. Unfortunately my career chasing isn’t finished and I see big changes ahead. Possible new city and a huge pay cut. But if that is what is required to get me wherever it is I want to go, so be it. I’ll enjoy the journey.

Cheers.

... · Post by **...** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:48 am

It all boils down to 'what does success means to you'?

yycflyguy · Post by **yycflyguy** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:21 am

I am Birddog wrote:It all boils down to 'what does success means to you'?

A wife with big boobs.

1st timer · Post by **1st timer** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:28 am

yycflyguy

I saw a lady on tv today with the hugest boobs in the world, not sure if you would be interested. She is also an american so that could help with getting a green card, if you so desire. The only catch is that you would need at least an F350 to haul her around. Hey, but she does have big boobs!

... · Post by **...** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:36 am

*sigh*

......I......nevermind.....

What's good to take for ulsers?

KAG · Post by **KAG** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:50 am

Zantac 75.

water wings · Post by **water wings** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 2:54 pm

YYC fly guy..if your only goal in life involves milk glands and human tissue, then you should consider revising King Air guy's signature:
the boobs you wish for today might one day be dragging next to the feet you stood on yesterday.

Beechball · Post by **Beechball** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 3:06 pm

You could be doing worse. You're actually not too bad off. I'm 10 years older, more bills, less salary, same place, same time (I have more hours but it doesn't matter when there's not enough jobs to go around anyway right?).

CLguy · Post by **CLguy** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 3:33 pm

Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family. Why is that?

DeskDriver · Post by **DeskDriver** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 3:45 pm

I am Birddog wrote:*What's good to take for ulsers?

Oh, I know this one. Gin, right?

A well designed martini will cure most ailments.

KAG · Post by **KAG** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:04 pm

BCAS flyboy....Sorry to disapoint but it was a typo. Thanks for the heads up though, that might have been fun if she read it.

Cheers.

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:35 pm

CLguy wrote:Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family. Why is that?

That is the smartest thing I have ever heard on this forum.

Right Seat Captain · Post by **Right Seat Captain** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:16 pm

Switchfoot wrote: I started in 1997. I've had 5 different places of employment (all flying), been laid off once, quit once, and moved 6 times since the summer of '97. All because of flying. I've given up many of my hobbies just to get ahead. I've lost girlfriends over this line of work (but who hasn't ??), lost friends (pilots and non-pilots), and made little to no money (until just recently). I'm 27 years old and have 2200 hours.

I'd say those same things can happen in any industry. It is not unique to aviation. This is the kind of thing that happens to anyone who is career oriented, which pilots tend to be. Those pilots who are not career oriented nowadys, tend to not get very far, just because of the competition.

How Long?

How Long?

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