Realistic Expectations for Career Change

JMG

JMG

New Member
After lurking and reading all the information I could get my hands on, I figured it was time to create an account and possibly embark on this journey. If you don't want to read my background, main questions are in bold below :)

I am considering making a career change, sort of. I am 27 and currently an OPM contract investigator. This is a position I basically fell into and never planned on making it a career as I have always planned to pursue a career in aviation. The money in my current position is decent, but the potential to make more is low unless I want to get in a supervisor position which I have zero desire to do. More importantly, the job is not enjoyable nor fulfilling to me.

I have a B.S. in Aviation Science and was originally planning on dropping some packets for a shot at an Army helo pilot position, but the job prospects/career outlook don't seem very strong in the civilian world after my time serving came to an end. I also have been applying for ATC, but as I am sure most of you know is a gamble more than anything right now.

After researching for the past month it seems like a career in dispatch could be very fulfilling and interesting to say the least. I understand it is important to be willing to move anywhere and that I'll be taking a pay cut from my current job.

One of the things I have not come across yet is working as a dispatcher and military service. Anyone here Air National Guard and a dispatcher? Are the airlines guard friendly?

The other question I have is progression. Seems the usual progression is start at any regional that will hire you >> Gain experience for 2-5 years >> Get hired on at a major. Worst case scenario if one were to work at a regional for longer than expected, what is pay progression like? Start at ~$30k, how long until you are around $50k at a regional? I read in this thread that it takes ~5 years to get above $35k at a regional? http://forums.jetcareers.com/threads/career-change-39.174347/

Any feedback, tips, or just basic words of advice are welcome as it seem there are a lot of good people on this forum with a wealth of information. I just want to have realistic expectations/goals before making the jump.
 
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In my experience airlines are not Guard friendly. I stayed in the Guard for one year after I got my first dispatching job, but when I switched jobs and moved to a place with no Guard unit nearby - I just got out and haven't missed it much. Main reason is as the new guy in the dispatch office you won't get weekends off; the company is required to give you time off for Guard stuff but they don't have to pay you for it, and a lot of them aren't very happy about giving you the days off, especially when you need the two weeks off per year for annual training.

This was just my experience, others may have different ones. There are a lot of airline pilots in the Guard but I don't know of many dispatchers. I think part of my experience was due to my manager, but part of it was just the company culture. At my current (major) airline I don't know any dispatchers currently in the Guard or active Reserve, but there may be some I am unaware of - since we merged there are about 300 people on our seniority list and I haven't met everyone.

I don't know what regional pay scales are like these days - and they vary by airline, union/non-union, etc. - but when I left for the majors about 10 years ago you would be looking at about 8-10 years to make it to $50K. It doesn't take 3-5 years to make it to $35K though. Maybe 2-3 at the most. I think some larger regionals now are starting at close to that amount.
 
You already have a degree so you don't need the gi bill. The military does not have a program for creating civilian dispatchers like they can produce civilian pilots. So unless you really want to serve I'd recommend staying out of the military. Nothing wrong with serving though, for the right person at the right age it can be the best thing ever.
 
Right now progression is lightning fast and probably will be for the next couple of years. Much to the chagrin of those that did more than their time in the regionals, the jump from regional to major does not seem to be taking the average 5 years, but instead 1 - 2 years. Regardless of where you start at a regional, if you can jump to a major that fast you hit your $50k almost immediately upon hire.

As Manniax said, if you choose to stay at a regional you're looking at top out pay for 50k and at the smaller regionals you wont even get that. To make more money in the regionals you have no choice but to move into management, which you said you did not want to do. Even as a manager at my regional I was still under $50k after 5 years.

As far as the guard goes, your employer may secretly hate you for it but they have no choice. By law they have to give you the time off. I've known a few dispatchers in the guard and they were always good for generating overtime. If the employer is petty enough it could cost you the job as they don't want to have to deal with your guard duty but for others it could give you the edge over the completion. Like Aeroscout, I would also recommend only doing guard if you feel the duty to serve your country and genuinely want to do it. If so, you will still get a job and my thanks for your service.
 
Aeroscout840 said:
You already have a degree so you don't need the gi bill. The military does not have a program for creating civilian dispatchers like they can produce civilian pilots. So unless you really want to serve I'd recommend staying out of the military. Nothing wrong with serving though, for the right person at the right age it can be the best thing ever.
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I wouldn't be joining for the GI Bill (although I am always wanting to learn new things so having it in my back pocket wouldn't be a bad thing), I just have always had the desire to serve, but if it would be a big hit to my career potential and progression then I may need to reconsider. My degree would be a good plus when it came time to apply to a major, correct?

MT said:
Right now progression is lightning fast and probably will be for the next couple of years. Much to the chagrin of those that did more than their time in the regionals, the jump from regional to major does not seem to be taking the average 5 years, but instead 1 - 2 years. Regardless of where you start at a regional, if you can jump to a major that fast you hit your $50k almost immediately upon hire.

As Manniax said, if you choose to stay at a regional you're looking at top out pay for 50k and at the smaller regionals you wont even get that. To make more money in the regionals you have no choice but to move into management, which you said you did not want to do. Even as a manager at my regional I was still under $50k after 5 years.

As far as the guard goes, your employer may secretly hate you for it but they have no choice. By law they have to give you the time off. I've known a few dispatchers in the guard and they were always good for generating overtime. If the employer is petty enough it could cost you the job as they don't want to have to deal with your guard duty but for others it could give you the edge over the completion. Like Aeroscout, I would also recommend only doing guard if you feel the duty to serve your country and genuinely want to do it. If so, you will still get a job and my thanks for your service.
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If making the jump to a major within ~2 years is fairly common at this time then I'd be a happy camper. I don't know how happy I would be taking a pay cut for 8-10 years as manniax suggested if staying at a regional. Is getting stuck at a regional common? or is progression a fairly solid bet if you are putting in the work? (I'm comparing this to pilots where progression seems to be luck more than anything else)
 
I think career progression to a major is pretty common for motivated individuals. That being said, you shouldn't be too picky about which major hires you. If you know the city a major is in is someplace you would hate living, maybe scratch that one off your list and apply elsewhere, but don't do that too many times. Now, there are a lot of people who like the area that their regional is located in and have no desire to move (plus it might have a relatively low cost of living) so they just make a career of it and do quite well on the $50-55K a year that they make. At a decently run regional, this is very doable and there are a lot of happy career dispatchers in SGU, ATW, and PDX who can testify to this (just to name a few locations.)

Timing is important also, and right now is a very good time to get into the field. I was at a regional a lot longer than I planned to be in part due to 9/11, but I made the jump eventually. Are there some people who try to make it to a major and never succeed? I'm sure there are - but there are probably some who try once or twice, don't make it the first time they get an interview somewhere, and give up. Persistence is key! (This is also good to remember when trying to get your first dispatch position at a regional.)

Your degree should help "fill a box" and it certainly won't hurt, but I wouldn't expect it to be a huge help either. The one degree I have seen that seems to help the most is in meteorology. We have hired people where I work with anything from no college to master's degrees. It depends on the carrier some also, but I don't know of any that have a degree as a prerequisite for a dispatcher position. Good luck!
 
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manniax said:
I think career progression to a major is pretty common for motivated individuals. That being said, you shouldn't be too picky about which major hires you. If you know the city a major is in is someplace you would hate living, maybe scratch that one off your list and apply elsewhere, but don't do that too many times. Now, there are a lot of people who like the area that their regional is located in and have no desire to move (plus it might have a relatively low cost of living) so they just make a career of it and do quite well on the $50-55K a year that they make. At a decently run regional, this is very doable and there are a lot of happy career dispatchers in SGU, ATW, and PDX who can testify to this (just to name a few locations.)

Timing is important also, and right now is a very good time to get into the field. I was at a regional a lot longer than I planned to be in part due to 9/11, but I made the jump eventually. Are there some people who try to make it to a major and never succeed? I'm sure there are - but there are probably some who try once or twice, don't make it the first time they get an interview somewhere, and give up. Persistence is key! (This is also good to remember when trying to get your first dispatch position at a regional.)

Your degree should help "fill a box" and it certainly won't hurt, but I wouldn't expect it to be a huge help either. The one degree I have seen that seems to help the most is in meteorology. We have hired people where I work with anything from no college to master's degrees. It depends on the carrier some also, but I don't know of any that have a degree as a prerequisite for a dispatcher position. Good luck!
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Lots of good info here, thanks. Chicago is probably the only location that I would scratch off my list. Also while money is definitely not every thing to me, I don't think there's anything that could keep me at a topped out $50k for the rest of my career. I'd probably take my chances as a pilot eating ramen noodles for several years before that, but who knows - priorities always change. I believe Frontier is on the lower end of the pay scale, but I dream of living in CO. What is the general opinion of Frontier?
 
Now is the time to get into dispatch. With the growth and retirements occurring, I would not be surprised to see some majors need to hire externals right out of dispatch school in the next few years. Lots of hiring projected for both growth and retirements at all majors.

To get stuck at a regional for 8-10 years is one of or a combination of bad luck, bad timing, bad attitude, bad aptitude or you actually like working for that company. If you don't want to make a career at a regional and your timing is right hiring wise, you need to make sure your attitude and aptitude are both up to par. Attitude more than aptitude because there are majors that will take people that may be a little raw knowledge wise but have the right attitude. Majors hire intending you to be there as many as 40 years. They would rather have someone there that people can stand be almost like family with for that amount of time. Regionals don't care as much about attitude because they are stepping stone jobs.
 
Flagship_dxer said:
Now is the time to get into dispatch. With the growth and retirements occurring, I would not be surprised to see some majors need to hire externals right out of dispatch school in the next few years. Lots of hiring projected for both growth and retirements at all majors.

To get stuck at a regional for 8-10 years is one of or a combination of bad luck, bad timing, bad attitude, bad aptitude or you actually like working for that company. If you don't want to make a career at a regional and your timing is right hiring wise, you need to make sure your attitude and aptitude are both up to par. Attitude more than aptitude because there are majors that will take people that may be a little raw knowledge wise but have the right attitude. Majors hire intending you to be there as many as 40 years. They would rather have someone there that people can stand be almost like family with for that amount of time. Regionals don't care as much about attitude because they are stepping stone jobs.
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Good to hear. Sounds like right now is a good time for a go-getter such as myself to get into dispatch. Appreciate the info. I have all but made up my mind. Looking into Sheffield.
 
JMG said:
Good to hear. Sounds like right now is a good time for a go-getter such as myself to get into dispatch. Appreciate the info. I have all but made up my mind. Looking into Sheffield.
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Good choice:biggrin:
 
Looking for some opinions on the best plan of action if I really wanted to join the guard.
- Would it be better to join now and get basic training/ait out of the way while with my current employer who is very military friendly and THEN attend sheffield and apply for jobs?

or

- Attend sheffield now, apply for jobs while the gettin' is good and join the guard later?
 
JMG, I am currently in the Air Guard as well as a dispatcher. I'm somewhat new and have been fortunate enough to have weekends off which has helped with getting back for my one weekend a month. I travel to another state, so the flight benefits and jumpseating certainly help. I am leaving this summer for a TDY and like MT said it has opened some overtime for other people.

If you feel the conviction to serve, do it. I have enjoyed the last six years and I actually like it so much I re-enlisted for another three. There are bonuses for joining, as well as student loan repayment up to 20 thousand dollars if you do consider joining. But, I digress. Is it easy to maintain a full time dispatch career and a part time Air Guard career? I'm guessing that depends on the person. For me, It is a bit overwhelming at times and It's pretty exhausting going to another state for drill and then flying back for work the next day. But, again, you may not have to commute if you join a unit in the state in which you work. Also, the flight benefits and jumpseating help a lot. You should also consider that if you join the Military, you'll have to set aside about a year of your time. Waiting for dates for Basic Training, and then actually going to Basic Training (9 1/2 weeks), Tech School (this varies on your job and can be anywhere from 30 days to 365 days of training) and then OJT at your unit. So, if you do want to join, definitely consider putting dispatching on the back-burner for a bit.

I was already in the Air Guard when I went to Sheffield (which is a great choice if you do consider going there) so, no time was needed for me to set aside for training that I mentioned. If dispatching is something you want to do and want to do it now, go for it. I think you should get your license and start applying, if you get a job and love it and then a few years down the road you still feel like joining the Military, well, you have until 39 years of age to join, So, you've got some time do it.

As for your other question, MT, Flagship and Manniax seem to always have sound advice coming from the tenured crowd, which I am not. I hope this helps and feel free to ask me any questions you've got.
 
If you really want to join the Guard, I would wait until you're already hired at a regional and signed off first to do it. That way it wouldn't interfere with your training. Also, I think in general it's best to join a Guard unit close to where you are living, and as most dispatch jobs require a move to a new location, you might as well see where you end up first and then look for a Guard or Reserve unit near that location. I know some people do commute for monthly/annual training but I wouldn't make it harder than it needs to be.
 
If I attended sheffield now, then joined the guard to get the initial training out of the way, then started applying for jobs - would this make me less attractive to potential employers? Being certified, but not applying for jobs until a few months after becoming certified? Obviously both big decisions the could determine where I end up in the next 5-10 years so of course I am analyzing it from all directions.

Sorry for all the random questions, but all of you are way more knowledgeable in this career field. I'm sure most of you are thinking the same thing I'm telling myself... "Just pick one already and do it!"
 
It is a big decision, and one you shouldn't just pick spontaneously. If you go to Sheffield, get your cert. and then go through the process, I.e. Talking with a recruiter, joining student flight (all guard units implement a "student flight" for recruits waiting for basic, and you
will wait) going to basic, tech school, and then OJT. It's not a "few" months, the process can take well over a year before you're signed off in your military career field before you start applying for jobs.

When you do start applying for dispatch jobs, and you land one that's out of state and you move from your units state, you will then definitely have to take a few months off of drill so that you can go through initial. You will need to dedicate yourself to your initial training as well, there is a lot covered and it's not always that easy. You will also be preparing for your comp check to get signed off by your company.

I feel as though you need to choose one and dedicate yourself to only one until you're ready and comfortable to go into dispatching or military. Trying to juggle both at the same time might be too much. If you did join the military before Sheffield, you can use your MGIB to pay for your dispatch cert. I considered doing it, but opted out and paid for it myself, up front.

So, pick one. Dedicate yourself, and then when you're ready and able, dedicate yourself to the other one. Don't bite off more than you can chew.
 
Too be fair if you are going to go into dispatch, now might be a very good time to start.
 
3Green. said:
It is a big decision, and one you shouldn't just pick spontaneously. If you go to Sheffield, get your cert. and then go through the process, I.e. Talking with a recruiter, joining student flight (all guard units implement a "student flight" for recruits waiting for basic, and you
will wait) going to basic, tech school, and then OJT. It's not a "few" months, the process can take well over a year before you're signed off in your military career field before you start applying for jobs.

When you do start applying for dispatch jobs, and you land one that's out of state and you move from your units state, you will then definitely have to take a few months off of drill so that you can go through initial. You will need to dedicate yourself to your initial training as well, there is a lot covered and it's not always that easy. You will also be preparing for your comp check to get signed off by your company.

I feel as though you need to choose one and dedicate yourself to only one until you're ready and comfortable to go into dispatching or military. Trying to juggle both at the same time might be too much. If you did join the military before Sheffield, you can use your MGIB to pay for your dispatch cert. I considered doing it, but opted out and paid for it myself, up front.

So, pick one. Dedicate yourself, and then when you're ready and able, dedicate yourself to the other one. Don't bite off more than you can chew.
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Taking more on than seems possible has always been a common theme for me. As far as I can remember I've always taken on multiple goals at once. This strategy hasn't failed me yet, but you may be right. It would be nice to be able to put all my focus on a single goal for once instead of taking it on simultaneously.

Luigi said:
Too be fair if you are going to go into dispatch, now might be a very good time to start.
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.... but this is the point the keeps bringing me back and makes me think I need to just buckle down and find a way to make it happen.


At the end of the day, I just need to make a decision and try to enjoy the journey. Currently I am leaning towards your way of thinking, 3Green.
 
I love dispatching and feel super fortunate to be where I am. I also love serving, and enjoy the challenge. I think no matter what decision you make you'll find challenges and big rewards with both! Good luck!
 
JMG said:
After lurking and reading all the information I could get my hands on, I figured it was time to create an account and possibly embark on this journey. If you don't want to read my background, main questions are in bold below :)

I am considering making a career change, sort of. I am 27 and currently an OPM contract investigator. This is a position I basically fell into and never planned on making it a career as I have always planned to pursue a career in aviation. The money in my current position is decent, but the potential to make more is low unless I want to get in a supervisor position which I have zero desire to do. More importantly, the job is not enjoyable nor fulfilling to me.

I have a B.S. in Aviation Science and was originally planning on dropping some packets for a shot at an Army helo pilot position, but the job prospects/career outlook don't seem very strong in the civilian world after my time serving came to an end. I also have been applying for ATC, but as I am sure most of you know is a gamble more than anything right now.

After researching for the past month it seems like a career in dispatch could be very fulfilling and interesting to say the least. I understand it is important to be willing to move anywhere and that I'll be taking a pay cut from my current job.

One of the things I have not come across yet is working as a dispatcher and military service. Anyone here Air National Guard and a dispatcher? Are the airlines guard friendly?

The other question I have is progression. Seems the usual progression is start at any regional that will hire you >> Gain experience for 2-5 years >> Get hired on at a major. Worst case scenario if one were to work at a regional for longer than expected, what is pay progression like? Start at ~$30k, how long until you are around $50k at a regional? I read in this thread that it takes ~5 years to get above $35k at a regional? http://forums.jetcareers.com/threads/career-change-39.174347/

Any feedback, tips, or just basic words of advice are welcome as it seem there are a lot of good people on this forum with a wealth of information. I just want to have realistic expectations/goals before making the jump.
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Market starting salary for a dispatcher position at a regional airline is about $30000 per year. A couple of overtime days per month, and you can add a few thousand dollars to your annual income.

You're not going to get any meaningful pay increases staying a dispatcher. Yes you will get raises, but those will primarily be cost of living adjustments. You're buying power will go up very little, if any. To get a real raise, you will need to move up; either up the ladder to a management position, or up the food chain to a bigger carrier. That's not just dispatch by the way, but pretty much any profession you care to name.
 
Flying Saluki said:
Market starting salary for a dispatcher position at a regional airline is about $30000 per year. A couple of overtime days per month, and you can add a few thousand dollars to your annual income.

You're not going to get any meaningful pay increases staying a dispatcher. Yes you will get raises, but those will primarily be cost of living adjustments. You're buying power will go up very little, if any. To get a real raise, you will need to move up; either up the ladder to a management position, or up the food chain to a bigger carrier. That's not just dispatch by the way, but pretty much any profession you care to name.
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Of course. I don't have a problem with moving into management. In fact, that is exactly what I did in every job I had before my current one. I just have no desire to move into management at my current job as this industry isn't fulfilling to me in the least bit.
 
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