Quit six figure job for a passion...

Good article! I flew with a lot of career changers during my stint as a CFI, they all pretty much had the same thing to say. The only thing I would like to point out is folks like the guy in the article are probably set up to take the pay cut - lots of savings, no mortgage, paid off cars, etc. Just something to think about. I watched a few "career changers" walk into the regional world with lots of debt.
 
Sometimes jumping with both feet is the best move that can be made. Life is indeed very short, waiting might not be worth it in the entire scheme of things.
 
Toria said:
Sometimes jumping with both feet is the best move that can be made. Life is indeed very short, waiting might not be worth it in the entire scheme of things.
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Sometimes I secretly wish I'd be 'let go', 'downsized', whatever term you want to use. It would really make some decisions much easier....

In the meantime, coffee's done as well as laundry. Must get moving to work......:banghead: Back to dayshift after 5+ years of the dreaded nights......:insane:
 
JEP said:
Sometimes I secretly wish I'd be 'let go', 'downsized', whatever term you want to use. It would really make some decisions much easier....

In the meantime, coffee's done as well as laundry. Must get moving to work......:banghead: Back to dayshift after 5+ years of the dreaded nights......:insane:
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JEP, please send me you bosses name and number....I can assist! Then you can come here and kick my....... for what I am not doing.
 
Guys, don't make the wish for someone else to 'make' the decision for you.

I've been furloughed twice, and it was NOT sunshine & roses. It was the end of everything I'd ever known in my entire professional life. I've made the best of it, sure. I'm totally happy with what my life has turned out as, but I wish that leaving had been my choice. Not cast aside like yesterday's garbage, un-needed and unwanted.

The panic, uncertainty, sick-to-your-stomach feeling of furlough/layoff is not something I would wish on anyone here. Don't wish it on yourself.
 
TexasFlyer said:
This is a link to someone's freedom! Great article that many of us can relate too with a good link to discussions after the article (I know I sure can relate)...

http://men.msn.com/articlemh.aspx?cp-documentid=2433279&page=1
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Hey, TexasFlyer. Great article. Thanks for sharing it. I can sort of relate to it, too. While I've never made six figures, I did leave a job in the banking arena with a comfy salary and full benefits to go full throttle with aviation. I decided to use my new CFI ticket full time. Sure, the money is absolutely awful, but I'm a way better pilot than I was when I started instructing. That's for sure. All of my students who earn handsome salaries have told me they wish they could do what I do for a living. "You can!" I reply. "Yeah, but they money..." They often reply. Truth is, it's a choice. I choose to fly. And who knows? With any luck, the money will come later. :rolleyes:
 
MQAAord said:
Guys, don't make the wish for someone else to 'make' the decision for you.

I've been furloughed twice, and it was NOT sunshine & roses. It was the end of everything I'd ever known in my entire professional life. I've made the best of it, sure. I'm totally happy with what my life has turned out as, but I wish that leaving had been my choice. Not cast aside like yesterday's garbage, un-needed and unwanted.

The panic, uncertainty, sick-to-your-stomach feeling of furlough/layoff is not something I would wish on anyone here. Don't wish it on yourself.
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My backing of his comment is based on the idea that I myself will not up and quit to make things happen if I am "secure" and "comfortable". so for some one to make the decision for me, is to make me take action.
 
greaper007 said:
I would probably quit my "passion" for six figures :).
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My job will be open in a few months so I could be a starving pilot. So I need to start looking to replace me in a few months. Want to be an Aviation Recruiter?

Minimum compensation you'll earn in my Director level position is $102k to stay employed in your second year. Your first year can be anywhere from $60k to $120k or better to stay employed since it'll take a little time to ramp up. Peform at a lesser level at any point in your career and you'll have no job the next year. I been doing this almost 4 years under these terms, so it is possible. But, read major stress in this job since this will linger over your head every day! You should really do $105k to $145k range in reality (but we do have one person doing around a quarter million a year!).

Qualifications are simple. Solid knowledge of corporate aviation indusrty (MROs, FBOs, and Part 91/135 Ops). Some college (degree preferred but not required). And have either have a solid sales background with good achievements, a recruiting background with premier candidate sourcing skills from cold calling/ networking, or a similar background with strong accomplishments. Or just convince me you can do my job well and lead the team I have in place. Oh, and you have to live in San Antonio since that's where my team is.

PM me if you want your six figure job...
 
I opted to keep the 6 fig job instead of flying. After I did my private and was building time to start instrument, I basically decided I really liked making good money and staying home with family. I can afford a great house and nice boat.
I think what convinced me that maybe working a job you don't like but that pays well was the trip I took my family on to the Olympics last year. No way in Hades would I be able to do that anytime in the next decade were I to career change. As it is, we are going to the next winter games. My daughter is spending spring break in the Bahamas and she will be able to go to any college she desires.

Life is all about trade offs. in return for providing all of that for my family, I work a job I am not thrilled with but with a great company. I may not enjoy the days at my work but I sure enjoy my time with my family. I'll be buying or building again in the not too distant future and will get myself back in the air. Though truth be told, I don't think I love it like I once did. Now I see pilots in the airport and all I think about are union politics, layover hotels and missed holidays. Sorry but for now I will stick with automation and controls over that mess.

I guess my point however disjointed it may be, is that someone with a solid income needs to truly evaluate what you are giving up to fly. I can't fathom a $45,000 income. I know most of you are cussing me & I know I did it just fine when I was in the navy but if I think that it would be tough. Imagine a paycut down to the poverty line CFI wages a person would take. Just think it through.
 
Every dream requires sacrifice. Question is, can the dream live up to level of sacrifice? The answer is Yes.... as long as you make your dream a reality. This website has been awesome for me and 100's of others in researching, dreaming and finally, throwing caution to the wind and leaping.

You can do whatever you want to in life. The only inhibitor.....you.... There are alot of us who left in our thirty somethings and are "living the dream".... yeah that saying gets old.... as do we....:) You can make it. And probably not have to sacrifice too much... with one major exception... the security of it all.

When I left my job, I was making close to 90's, benefits, 20 year retirement the works..... But I wasn't as happy and satisfied as I should be. No kids, no wife and very little commitments.... and off I went. The reality is that you will question your decision... no doubt about it. And at the beginning it is very unnerving (the lack of security, not the flying). But after you are instructing for a few months and you start getting good at it, you finally realize that this truly was a great decision.....

Consider instructing as a paid internship at first... Because that is about what the money equals. After a while though, you can do ok. Like many of us, if you have some retirement accounts to help you live through the lack of funds times, your quality of life should not change too much.

Then, just do what you love and then the money will follow. If not, at least you are doing what you love........

Good luck and let the games begin......
 
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