Advice on giving up flying.

[Maximilian_Jenius]

Ok fine, its the dumbest thing you've heard. Care to explain why or will we be left to guess at why you are so wise?

FWIW, here is the thinking behind my statement. The OP is currently working a job where he is getting paid and building multi turbine PIC at a time in the industry when many people couldn't buy a job. For a person who intends to stay in the industry, that experience can be as valuable as a degree. But even more important is that he is now working a King Air job and building multi turbine time. That experience will open the door to other jobs for him. Often those jobs will have recent experience requirements. If he stops flying now and goes to school full time, those doors will close for him and this is an industry where a person needs all the open doors they can get.

And finally online degree options are more plentiful than they've ever been and are becoming more accepted than they've ever been. Its entirely conceivable that he could do an online degree program while keeping his current job. But it might require him to carry a lighter course load which means it would take longer for him to earn the degree.

If he wants to stay in the industry, I think that's a better option than walking away, spending four years getting a brick and mortar degree and then trying to get another job back in the industry when he'll likely have less than a hundred hours total in the previous four years and zero multi engine turbine in the previous four years.

And not to pick nits or anything but there's a guy a few posts up who proudly expresses his excitement about going to college while clearly showing that he has the grammar and punctuation skills of a second grader and yet my post is the dumbest thing you've heard? I guess I get the prize then.

...I said that post was dumb because think of all the money one would have blown being in college for 8 yrs to get a BA/BS.

Look, if he is already flying a King Air and wants to keep his current job and skip college FT. The smart money is on visiting ERAU, UVSC or UND online et al. I figure if he is flying a King Air, he already has all his ratings *maybe* save the instructing ratings and the ATP.

Turn all those ratings into college credit, take a year or two to finish up the B.S. years of college online (i.e. the first two) and call it a day...

Presto chango he has a 4 yr degree, in 2 yrs or less. And, not 8!

 

[Joe Gremlin]

...I said that post was dumb because think of all the money one would have blown being in college for 8 yrs to get a BA/BS.

Look, if he is already flying a King Air and wants to keep his current job and skip college FT. The smart money is on visiting ERAU, UVSC or UND online et al. I figure if he is flying a King Air, he already has all his ratings *maybe* save the instructing ratings and the ATP.

Turn all those ratings into college credit, take a year or two to finish up the B.S. years of college online (i.e. the first two) and call it a day...

Presto chango he has a 4 yr degree, in 2 yrs or less. And, not 8!

Honestly, that isn't much different than what I suggested, although I will admit that I probably didn't describe it clear enough. When I said it might take 8 years, I wasn't suggesting staying enrolled in a brick and mortar school for all that time. Rather, I was thinking more of doing an online degree. Since my wife is currently doing an online graduate degree while working full time, I've seen first hand how much of a burden it can be in terms of monopolizing available free time. She's working hard and it looks as though she'll have a masters done in just under two years. But she did two accelerated summer sessions last year and she'll do the same this summer in addition to carry two classes per semester this year.

It's a lot of work and she has virtually no life outside of work and school. My suggestion that it might take longer was based on the fact that a typical part 135 pilot who lacks the structured work schedule which my wife enjoys, might find it more difficult carrying multiple classes per semester and an accelerated summer session might be totally out of the question. For these reasons I'm thinking that it could take longer. Although it would be because you would be carrying a very light course load. And if it ends up costing a bit more, so be it.

To be sure, if you can get into a life credit program and get college credit for your FAA certs, it would wise to do so. But even still a person might find that once they get into the coarse work, they can only handle one class at a time and therefore it could take a bit longer to finish up. I just think that's a better option than stepping out of the cockpit and going to school full time for a person in the position of the OP.

 

[RPJ]

Here is a little backround. I am 22, turning 23 this July. I work for a 135 outfit sitting right seat in Las Vegas. No upgrade in sight, and there is nowhere else to go. I haven't done anything academic besides flying since High School. I am going through my first tough break up with my ex girlfriend. It has gotten me thinking about every aspect of my life.

I feel like I skipped a few steps in life. I went straight to step 5, instead of starting at step 1. Sure, I can keep working here, living alone in Vegas, and take online classes and do that. But I just don't know if that is the right choice. I have been thinking about quitting my flying job, moving up to Northern Idaho, and going to school full time. In my head, flying will always be there, and I am really limited without the degree.

It is kind of scary making that big of a move, taking a step back in pay to just get a normal job to make ends meet, and just throw caution to the wind. I am basically just looking for any input from people that have done any similar things. Obviously most people at this site have a strong passion for aviation. I absolutely love flying, I can't see myself working a desk job forever. I just need some outside input that I am not crazy for quitting a flying job, moving 1800 miles away and putting the flying on hold...


-Jason

One tiny tidbit of advice, don't make any major decisions until you are done "suffering" over your break-up. I broke up with my girl of four years, two months ago. It sucks big time but you will get over it and probably faster than you expect. 51% of this worlds population is female...don't sweat it lol :bandit:

 

[vheissu]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all of the responses. Here is a little update and a little more of my thinking. I have gotten out of town lately and tried to clear my mind. The first big break up in your life really hurts, and clouds your entire mindset. I will say that I still want to go back to school. But not quit flying altogether.

I know the stories of people being lucky to have any sort of flying job right now, yada yada. But how long is it worth it to keep plugging away when I am only making $12 an hour? Maybe someday in ten years I can be a regional CA making $80k? Then what? I am married with kids, and I lose my medical and I am on the same playing field as an 18 year old HS grad. And wishing I could go back to being 22 and chasing girls around college while getting an education.

I think my best course of action would be to get my CFI. Instruct when I can, while going to school full time. I moved to Las Vegas with the girl only for this job. I have nothing tying me down here. I would rather be in the mountains with my friends, going to college. I think alot of us put too much thinking into ONLY flying. We do this because it is fun, interesting, and exciting. I will admit, I love flying. I still love it everytime I get a landing, do that sweet approach, etc. But there is other things out there! Flying will always be there. Anyways, I'm young, and might be making the wrong decision. I am just trying to be smart about things... And if anyone knows of a single girl who wants to have some fun... Kidding. Not really.


-Jason

 

[fly8slep]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all of the responses. Here is a little update and a little more of my thinking. I have gotten out of town lately and tried to clear my mind. The first big break up in your life really hurts, and clouds your entire mindset. I will say that I still want to go back to school. But not quit flying altogether.

I know the stories of people being lucky to have any sort of flying job right now, yada yada. But how long is it worth it to keep plugging away when I am only making $12 an hour? Maybe someday in ten years I can be a regional CA making $80k? Then what? I am married with kids, and I lose my medical and I am on the same playing field as an 18 year old HS grad. And wishing I could go back to being 22 and chasing girls around college while getting an education.

I think my best course of action would be to get my CFI. Instruct when I can, while going to school full time. I moved to Las Vegas with the girl only for this job. I have nothing tying me down here. I would rather be in the mountains with my friends, going to college. I think alot of us put too much thinking into ONLY flying. We do this because it is fun, interesting, and exciting. I will admit, I love flying. I still love it everytime I get a landing, do that sweet approach, etc. But there is other things out there! Flying will always be there. Anyways, I'm young, and might be making the wrong decision. I am just trying to be smart about things... And if anyone knows of a single girl who wants to have some fun... Kidding. Not really.


-Jason

12 an hour and I'm assuming that is based on monthly flight hour is very pathetic. Go to school. It's very easy to find a flying job when there are jobs, it's about supply and demand. You are an example of that. You will never be able to do that out in the real world without a college degree. Plus you're just not complete without a higher education, to other people and more importantly yourself. I guess my point is flying will always be there, school will not. Sounds like you already know this, you are only 22 there is plenty of time to take detours and enjoy life. That is NOT flying right seat on a twin otter or king air a few times a month making 12 bucks an hour.

 

[ablackett23]

If you do decide to leave see if you can go part time, so at least you are still on the roster! At some point they are going to be in short supply again, and you could get some time in during breaks!

 

[RPJ]

12 an hour and I'm assuming that is based on monthly flight hour is very pathetic. Go to school. It's very easy to find a flying job when there are jobs, it's about supply and demand. You are an example of that. You will never be able to do that out in the real world without a college degree. Plus you're just not complete without a higher education, to other people and more importantly yourself. I guess my point is flying will always be there, school will not. Sounds like you already know this, you are only 22 there is plenty of time to take detours and enjoy life. That is NOT flying right seat on a twin otter or king air a few times a month making 12 bucks an hour.

The company he works for pays $12/hr for FO's but I believe it is duty hour and there is also per-diem. Please correct me if I am wrong Jason.

Either way, good luck in whatever decision you choose man.

 

[slushie]

Like I said Jason...free ground.
And if you work hard at it you could keep it down to just a handful of flights.