I am always amazed at the lack of preparation accomplished by grown adults. And to think they supposedly came from a generation that wasn't as 'me, me, me' as the Millenials, but in reality they are just as much responsible for the 'me, me, me' mentality because they fed it to their own children.
I'm not afraid, near the tail end of a four day, after encouraging another pilots discontent with his/her lot in life, to "You should check out. Nothing good will come from your career if the lenses you wear inhibit your ability to think positively about life. There are far greater endeavors than flying a tube around, there is beauty the world over that can make you happy if you just allow yourself to see it. Was fun flying with you, but don't keep yourself strapped into the psychological nightmare you've created."
That usually drives a significant pause and then a "yeah, well, we will see...take care."
Fast forward about 4-6 months, I notice same person in the lounge complaining about something ridiculously simple with such disdain that it is distracting. Old habits die hard.
In the end, some folks just don't prepare themselves professionally, intellectually, or personally to actually enjoy life.
Find a way to be significantly different than them and you'll go places, oh - and be patient...but not too patient. Stay hungry, apply, network, meet random strangers, hold a conversation without complaining...good things will come.
