Commuting: Lost the Edge?
- Thread starter derg
- Start date
HRDiva
Well-Known Member
Yeah, but this is the Airline Pilot section.
Just trying to point out, no matter what we do or where we go, there will always be challenges.
How true. I'll never forget when, in 1994 my DH was still in his "commuter" job, narrowly escaping a furlough by one person when they eliminated planes. My Dad died and I flew to Seattle to be with my Mom. On the way home, I had a flight via PIT. The plane was going on to PHL and then to somewhere in Europe. So, I stayed on the plane in PIT because I really was numb. The new crew boarded and the Captain loudly announced to me that he was really annoyed to have to fly; he was #2 in the entire US Air (that was before they changed the name) system and he had two side businesses to manage. But, he was not very current since he never flew and the company was forcing him to fly this trip so they would not have to type him again in the 767. He said that they should just fork out the $60,000 it would cost if they ever needed him to fly and continue to pay him not to fly so he could manage his businesses. I just looked at him in disbelief.
So obviously he had his challenges despite his level on the food chain!
Cptnchia
Dissatisfied Customer
Besides, you're a marine! Y'all can put up with anything! But then, on the other hand, you're a Citadel Marine so there's a little "pinky-up with high tea" there somewhere!
There's nothing wrong with being a Southern Officer and Gentleman! Now, if you'll excuse me, the Azalea Festival starts soon, and I have to go get ready for the Debutante's Ball. Those waltzes aren't going to learn themselves.
BTW, I have those "discussions" about GRU too, and that's with someone who should know better!
No way! I always figure there would be a lot of "pre-briefed" items, like coming home from Moscow broke!
kellwolf
Piece of Trash
Good post, but I think that's every profession.
I think even Ron Jeremy thinks, "One day, I wanna go LEGIT! I want to do a Broadway musical!"
Okay, that mental image....I didn't need that.
Like everyone else, I'm just busting your chops. Like dasleben, I pretty much count myself LUCKY to be where I am. A lot of guys that got on with a regional when I did haven't even seen the left seat yet. I've been lucky, not only to hang on to it, but to hang on to it without having to commute. The frustration of seeing guys get calls to my #1 choice while I can't figure out why I'm not gets frustrating. Then, to add insult to injury, getting displaced out of base after living here for 5 years with very little explanation as to why other that "operational necessity" kinda puts me in a "drinking binge" sorta mood occasionally. Yeah, it'll be the same once I get to a major. But it's the little perks that go along with being at a major that make it a bit more bearable.
JaceTheAce
Well-Known Member
OldTownPilot
Well-Known Member
I don't know what your bid process looks like, but would it be possible to bid LAX ER for a few months, then SEA ER for a couple of more months, if for nothing else to get some variety in the flying (doing the pacific stuff) and a bit of change on the commute. If it doesn't work out go back to JFK, because you know the deal there. From what you've said you just do hotels when needed, so you aren't tied into a crashpad. Break up the monotony of the PHX-JFK commute to fly to europe and back a couple of times and go home routine so to speak.
Stay on the ER so no training events, and just get some variety. You seemed happy when you broke free of SLC turns, now see what happens when you break free of Europe flying.
Dunno, just throwing ideas out there.
Stay on the ER so no training events, and just get some variety. You seemed happy when you broke free of SLC turns, now see what happens when you break free of Europe flying.
Dunno, just throwing ideas out there.
Firebird2XC
Well-Known Member
I recently did some head-scratching about relocating myself. Decided to sit put until some other things develop. Besides- all else fails, I'm centrally located, and I live in my base.
Living in base is where it's at, at least if you like where you're at, otherwise. If you can't manage that, compromise. Personally I don't know how you've kept up a trans-continental commute this long, Doug. That'd have me at my wits' end after a few years. Pull the trigger on a west coast base, man. The locales you layover in might not be so entertaining as Europe.. but if you burn out on the commute, how much fun are you really having?
Living in base is where it's at, at least if you like where you're at, otherwise. If you can't manage that, compromise. Personally I don't know how you've kept up a trans-continental commute this long, Doug. That'd have me at my wits' end after a few years. Pull the trigger on a west coast base, man. The locales you layover in might not be so entertaining as Europe.. but if you burn out on the commute, how much fun are you really having?
Cptnchia
Dissatisfied Customer
There are only 3, maybe 4 Advance Entitlements a year, with one having a conversion period of 365 days. You could conceivably get an award for the base you want, but have to remain in the base you hate for up to a year later.
And yes, if we used the monthly system NWA had, it would probably be better.
rausda27
Well-Known Member
I hit a wall with 121 flying and managing a family life or lack thereof. Solution for me was to get out, haven't had any regrets and enjoy working for Uncle Buffett.....but thats just me. Home every night, unless i am kickin' it on the Med in NCE or AHN on a contract gig and working with great people works well for me.
Mattio
Well-Known Member
I hit that wall about 6 months after doing it. That's why I'm never doing it again unless I have a PIMP schedule. By your list, it seems like you already figured out the answer, MSP. I'm going to be bidding MSP and moving to MSP if I get it, so maybe I'll see you there!
It was a weak time.
Airing more of my dirty laundry, I think Kristie and I came to a understanding that sometimes I'm going to freak out and leave early to avoid the hassle.
There's nothing like having a nice dinner and a cocktail, waking up when my body says "wake up!", taking a nice run and showing up to work 110% relaxed and rested... instead of "Holy crap! WooooooOOOoOoooooooo that was close! I'll take first break because the adrenalin is starting to wear off"
H46Bubba
Well-Known Member
Sometimes it's okay to re-evaluate your direction in life or career and make adjustments if need be, or continue to stay the course.It was a weak time.
Airing more of my dirty laundry, I think Kristie and I came to a understanding that sometimes I'm going to freak out and leave early to avoid the hassle.
There's nothing like having a nice dinner and a cocktail, waking up when my body says "wake up!", taking a nice run and showing up to work 110% relaxed and rested... instead of "Holy crap! WooooooOOOoOoooooooo that was close! I'll take first break because the adrenalin is starting to wear off"
spock
Well-Known Member
I am late to this thread but it really hit home for me. I am a former commuter. I lost my edge because after about a year or so after the commute became increasingly difficult. I ended up throwing in the towel and just moving to where I was based. Life improved immediately. What made up my mind was one day I decided to add up all the time I spent getting to and from work. I was shocked to see how much of my life I had already wasted. My commute was roughly 5.5 hrs per round trip of flight time. After subtracting for vacation and the occasional sick day I estimated I spent about 216-240 hours per year just going to and from work which is about 9-10 days out of the year. This did not even account for the times that I was delayed, flight went out full with another jumpseater etc.
That is wasted time IMO that I could have spent with friends, family etc... I didn't even have to get very many hotels so my expenses were minimal. I can't even imagine people that commute to reserve when they need crashpads, possibly cars, etc. Yes it is nice living where you wish however there is something to be said about reclaiming that lost time. At first I wasn't too fond of moving to the east coast but it has grown on me. I started a new life, made new friends and I am now happy with it and could not imagine commuting ever again. Note: I am single and do not have any kids so I definately understand why some people HAVE to commute. I can't even imagine how hard it is to ask a wife/kids to move everytime a base closes etc. It is a good example of how crappy of a buisness this can be. If My base closes I will simply pack up, move and start a new life yet again. Problem is it is very hard to imagine actually getting married and having a family with the way bases seem to open/close these days, at least until I get to a major airline that has more stable bases. It was not a very logical decision to even get involved in this industry knowing how unstable it has always been. I still miss my hometown very much but when I was commuting I was a much unhappier person.
That is wasted time IMO that I could have spent with friends, family etc... I didn't even have to get very many hotels so my expenses were minimal. I can't even imagine people that commute to reserve when they need crashpads, possibly cars, etc. Yes it is nice living where you wish however there is something to be said about reclaiming that lost time. At first I wasn't too fond of moving to the east coast but it has grown on me. I started a new life, made new friends and I am now happy with it and could not imagine commuting ever again. Note: I am single and do not have any kids so I definately understand why some people HAVE to commute. I can't even imagine how hard it is to ask a wife/kids to move everytime a base closes etc. It is a good example of how crappy of a buisness this can be. If My base closes I will simply pack up, move and start a new life yet again. Problem is it is very hard to imagine actually getting married and having a family with the way bases seem to open/close these days, at least until I get to a major airline that has more stable bases. It was not a very logical decision to even get involved in this industry knowing how unstable it has always been. I still miss my hometown very much but when I was commuting I was a much unhappier person.
As interesting as your figures are, the average person working 8-5 with a 30 minute commute each way has the exact same statistics.