Career fork in the road?

Calvin and Hobbs Meter

Calvin and Hobbs Meter

Well-Known Member
Flying for the airlines is the career path I have always planned on pursuing.

First off, I am tied down to living in a non-domicile city for 3 more years, no if ands or buts (family constraints). Although the pay isn't great, I enjoy the job I have now, flying pt 135 for a moderately small company. Currently I am flying +/- 450 hours a year, 1/3 PIC & 2/3 SIC jet, until next year where it will be 50/50 pic/sic. I get a pretty descent amount of vacation, and I am never bothered or questioned while doing the duties of my job.

If you were me, would you rather join a regional airline now, and commute for 3 years (until you could move to a domicile), thus, getting a jump on your seniority...

...or would you choose to continue flying pt. 135, saving yourself the pain of 121 commuting for 3 years, and then joining 121 when you could move.

In your opinion, which option lends it's-self towards the best balance between career advancement and QOL? Personally, I care very much about my QOL (e.g. staying happy).
 
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It depends on the commute. Some are cake and most of the time stress free, BOS LGA for example and some are pure hell.
 
Get a ride to your nearest international airport, stand out front and call a random hotel van. And wait. That's what you're missing. :)

To each their own though!
 
HVYMETALDRVR said:
I think you answered your own question... Commuting on reserve for 22,000/yr is as bad as you read on here.
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I mostly just wonder if there is a point where career-wise it actually makes since to commute in my situation, or if there is a solid consensus between the people who have "been there, done that" that seniority < commuting. When does the scale flip, or does it ever flip, in which seniority trumps the commute card. Again, I treasure my happiness.


Thanks
 
I would guess that three years from now, when you are free to move, you probably will have enough Jet PIC time to attempt to snag an interview at a LCC/Major/Legacy. It will be harder for you with no 121 time, but certainly possible. This way you get good quality of life for the next three years and then when you can move, don't have to start in the right seat of an RJ.
 
Calvin and Hobbs Meter said:
I mostly just wonder if there is a point where career-wise it actually makes since to commute in my situation, or if there is a solid consensus between the people who have "been there, done that" that seniority < commuting. When does the scale flip, or does it ever flip, in which seniority trumps the commute card. Again, I treasure my happiness.


Thanks
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Glad to help, good luck in your decision. The QOL hit you would take even at a good regional would be hard for at least a year or two anyway.
 
I would stay in your current gig if you are happy there. The way I hear others here talking about commuting to reserve sounds really bad.

I know you have been talking about the 121 world in this post, but have you considered staying in the corporate world? I know there are some awful corporate gigs, but there are some amazing ones too.
 
Let me ask you this:

1.Can you land a 777 without scratching it?
2. Can you land a 777 without flipping it?
3. Does flying over the beautiful Pacific Ocean sound peachy?
4. Does Asia interests you?

If you answered, "Yes", and or,"Sí", to any of these questions, I do believe you have a job waiting on you.

Good luck! :)
 
Muff3n said:
have you considered staying in the corporate world? I know there are some awful corporate gigs, but there are some amazing ones too.
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I have. I have 2 pretty close friends making some very good money flying cooperate, and probably would get in with their company someday because of some other small connections I have. My biggest aversion to cooperate is that I know a handful of people who have constantly been in and out of work for 20+ years, constantly switching between cooperate and 135 because of flight departments breaking up or closing shop. Also, I don't want to look back later in my life and wish I had at least gave it a try. Needless to say, I definitely have a couple different strings pulling me in different directions.
 
Calvin and Hobbs Meter said:
I have. I have 2 pretty close friends making some very good money flying cooperate, and probably would get in with their company someday because of some other small connections I have. My biggest aversion to cooperate is that I know a handful of people who have constantly been in and out of work for 20+ years, constantly switching between cooperate and 135 because of flight departments breaking up or closing shop. Also, I don't want to look back later in my life and wish I had at least gave it a try. Needless to say, I definitely have a couple different strings pulling me in different directions.
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Same things happen in the regionals though, just with less pay. I worked for Colgan for 2 years, when i started, it was the place to go to because of the upgrades and a new contract. fast forward 2 years and Colgan closed up shop. I work charter now and love it. Sure you lose the travel benefits, but now I can afford to buy a plane ticket and afford to pay for a place to stay when I reach my vacation spot.
 
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