Be honest
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FM_Weasel
Well-Known Member
I think it's very exciting and I don't consider myself particularly stressed, even though I'm still learning. But I'm at a much slower facility than some. Still, it can hit the fan sometimes and that gets the blood pumping. Some really enjoy being super busy, and others find it highly stressing.
I hate to give a cop out answer but I think it depends on how the individual processes intense situations. I work with folks who have been doing it for 20 years and are as calm as can be. Others look like they're totally fried. But just because it stresses you out doesn't mean you can't do it. You'll just have to be stressed all the time, I guess.
I hate to give a cop out answer but I think it depends on how the individual processes intense situations. I work with folks who have been doing it for 20 years and are as calm as can be. Others look like they're totally fried. But just because it stresses you out doesn't mean you can't do it. You'll just have to be stressed all the time, I guess.
Cheezypoof
Well-Known Member
Weasel hit it on the money I think, I've been at a level 12 facility for about 8 months now and it really is how the individual handles it. Most of the time it's not busy, but when it is... some people get frazzled and others just keep their cool and work. Personally I've liked being busy so far.
And I think you'll find that the people who handle the stress well are the controllers who have been doing it for 15+ years, whereas the ones who do not handle it well have taken supervisor spots (excluding money reasons) or other FAA details, even NATCA roles.
To each is their own
And I think you'll find that the people who handle the stress well are the controllers who have been doing it for 15+ years, whereas the ones who do not handle it well have taken supervisor spots (excluding money reasons) or other FAA details, even NATCA roles.
To each is their own
hemaybedid
Well-Known Member
I heard from a controller a while back that the reason for the general publics opinion of the job as stressful with high suicide rates is due to a campaign by controllers of the past for increased wages.
Barty
Well-Known Member
That's what I hear at least a couple of times a week from the guys in my area. Once you actually get checked out, the stress and pressure decreases dramatically, unless you're one of those types that gets worked up easily.
If this job really is as stressful as some make it out to be, I haven't seen it. I work at a level 12 center and the guys I work with are some of the most laid back and relaxed people you've ever seen.
twotwowoo
New Member
Working at Burger King IS stressful. How'd you like to have an angry soccer mom screaming in your face that there's too much ice in her pop!
Depends on if she looks like Nancy Botwin or not
hudson26
New Member
Stress/Anxiety all come from the "unknown". When will I get a raise? WILL I get a raise? Will I keep this job/check out?
The best advice I've got, thus far, is do not think of CPC every day. Make your primary goal clearing the NEXT hurdle. If you get stressed out thinking how are you going to handle CPC you will psych yourself out. If you concentrate on accomplishing the next phase in your training, by the time you get to 100% CPC won't seem so overwhelming.
The best advice I've got, thus far, is do not think of CPC every day. Make your primary goal clearing the NEXT hurdle. If you get stressed out thinking how are you going to handle CPC you will psych yourself out. If you concentrate on accomplishing the next phase in your training, by the time you get to 100% CPC won't seem so overwhelming.
maksvell
Well-Known Member
I agree with that
in Training I do scenarios so busy that controllers on the floor usually never see. But if it does gets that busy a hand off usually works beside.oh4corolla
New Member
We are not being honest if we say its not a stressful job. Being in charge of the safety of several aircraft at once, thousands of passengers, can be very stressful. Just compare what the result of a mistake is for a controller vs a mistake at your current job. Also look at the importance placed on breaks for ATCs.
Add to that, some of us trying to get into the field already have well established careers elsewhere. Once we go to OKC, there's no turning back. Failing out or finding out this career path is not for you could mean the old job is no longer there, having to take a paycut, working a different job you hate, or being unemployed.
Burger King jobs are a dime a million. Yell at a customer and get fired, there's 30 other fast food chains willing to hire you. Leave ATC and probably never get hired again.
Add to that, some of us trying to get into the field already have well established careers elsewhere. Once we go to OKC, there's no turning back. Failing out or finding out this career path is not for you could mean the old job is no longer there, having to take a paycut, working a different job you hate, or being unemployed.
Burger King jobs are a dime a million. Yell at a customer and get fired, there's 30 other fast food chains willing to hire you. Leave ATC and probably never get hired again.
AnImbroglio
Well-Known Member
One of my instructors said that "Air traffic control is hours and hours of sheer boredom combined with moments of sheer terror."
I assume it's the terror part we get paid for. lol
I assume it's the terror part we get paid for. lol
Ceiynt
New Member
That quote is so over used in just about any every industry.
You get paid to seperate aircraft and issue safety alerts, and to perform other duties as the situation permits.
ATC RET 2003
No More Vectors
The job was stressful enough that I became quite adept at drinking. It was tolerable enough that I lived through both.
Wyopoke79
New Member
Seriously....did you just crack open the .65?:rotfl::dunno:
You obviously have not plugged in yet... Everyone..shiats themselves a few times.
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