FlyChicaga
Vintage Restoration
I hadn't really come out and said it, but I am no longer a professional pilot. By choice. A few weeks ago I started the Chicago Metro Police Academy, since I've been hired as a PPO for a Police Department within the City of Chicago. We're four weeks in, and I'm loving it!
All my friends were really surprised that I was going to make this move, since I've always been so high on aviation as a career. As time has worn on, I started to find that I didn't really enjoy it at all anymore. The time away, the boredom, the uncertainty that surrounds the career. Sure, I could get hired at a major, but I secretly knew I wouldn't be happy. I wanted to do something that allowed me to be home, and be more involved in my community. I've always wanted to be a PO, so I applied to a handful of departments over a year, and was finally picked up by an outstanding one.
I've been having an absolute blast in the academy. Every day that goes by, I know this was the right decision. I feel I'm working harder, but I'm also home every night, and I feel my quality of life has improved. When I'm off this Mon-Fri schedule and working Wed-Sun mids, my QOL might "suck," but it's nice to be home. Especially since we bought a new comfy bed.
So now rather than answering questions about regional flying, I guess I can answer questions for those who are debating whether to get out.
FYI... I can't and won't put my employer out there in public; I figure you can understand.
All my friends were really surprised that I was going to make this move, since I've always been so high on aviation as a career. As time has worn on, I started to find that I didn't really enjoy it at all anymore. The time away, the boredom, the uncertainty that surrounds the career. Sure, I could get hired at a major, but I secretly knew I wouldn't be happy. I wanted to do something that allowed me to be home, and be more involved in my community. I've always wanted to be a PO, so I applied to a handful of departments over a year, and was finally picked up by an outstanding one.
I've been having an absolute blast in the academy. Every day that goes by, I know this was the right decision. I feel I'm working harder, but I'm also home every night, and I feel my quality of life has improved. When I'm off this Mon-Fri schedule and working Wed-Sun mids, my QOL might "suck," but it's nice to be home. Especially since we bought a new comfy bed.
So now rather than answering questions about regional flying, I guess I can answer questions for those who are debating whether to get out.
FYI... I can't and won't put my employer out there in public; I figure you can understand.
