Fly or Clean Toilets?

[dasleben]

Wow that was quick. What's the deal?

I'm not saying that I don't enjoy myself; I'm about to head out to Tokyo to start a trip. You'd probably agree though, it's not exactly the dream job people think it is when they start pursuing it. I guess I just couldn't stomach doing it for $18,000/year again!

If this guy owns a successful business, I think being able to reinvest in his business to grow it, rather than hiring additional employees to manage it for him, may be the best opportunity.

 

[moxiepilot]

Ok I got out of the flying biz about 2 years ago and I am itching to get back in. I quit my CFI job with about 1,480 tt, 145 me, and about 1,100 dual given and I started a cleaning biz. I keep my first class medical current, IPC, BFR and ATP written current even though I don't get to fly much.

But now that operators are starting to hire again, here is my dilemma... Do I pursue flying at a regional or somewhere because it's what I've trained for, or do I continue growing my cleaning business? I have employees and contracts with commercial retail stores worth about $135k a year, so you can see why giving that up for <$30k is kind of a big deal to me. I am my own boss, don't have to worry about being laid off, etc. etc... and we all already know the pros/cons of aviation/airlines.

Basically I think I just need someone to slap some sense in to me.

Owning your own company will pay far greater dividends in the long run. It may not seem like you fly a lot now, but in the future as your company expandes, you might be able to fly a lot!

Stick with your business, congratulations and keep as current as you can, good luck

 

[ChasenSFO]

Money can't buy happiness. Millionaires aren't immune to depression. If you're happy with your life right now, just focus on your buisness. If you're willing to take on the huge workload of giving the airlines a try, and you're willing to hire a manager to work under you, then by all means, give it a go. I know personally, no matter what my financial situation may be, I'd never forgive myself for at least trying to get an airline flying job.

 

[HVYMETALDRVR]

Ok I got out of the flying biz about 2 years ago and I am itching to get back in. I quit my CFI job with about 1,480 tt, 145 me, and about 1,100 dual given and I started a cleaning biz. I keep my first class medical current, IPC, BFR and ATP written current even though I don't get to fly much.

But now that operators are starting to hire again, here is my dilemma... Do I pursue flying at a regional or somewhere because it's what I've trained for, or do I continue growing my cleaning business? I have employees and contracts with commercial retail stores worth about $135k a year, so you can see why giving that up for <$30k is kind of a big deal to me. I am my own boss, don't have to worry about being laid off, etc. etc... and we all already know the pros/cons of aviation/airlines.

Basically I think I just need someone to slap some sense in to me.

+1 go 110% with your cleaning business and retire early, buy some planes, start a flight school/photog company on the side also, have fun.

I used to fly with a captain awhile back who had an auto garage on the side of his house and used to collect and fix old cars on his days off... he started working on his familys cars', then his neighbors, and word got around and pretty soon people he didn't know were calling him (mind you his part-time income from this was about as much as his captain's pay). He was about to open a seperate garage and hire some guys... then all at once he stopped fixing everyones cars' besides his, his wifes, and immediate family. When I asked what gives he was basically like, "well I actually enjoy fixing cars, I don't want to ruin it."

Flying is an awesome career, despite its fall from grace in the last 25 years. But as someone that has done it flying flight instruction and 135, 91k, it'd be a lot more fun to pick a spot on the map say "I want to go there" and get in and go wherever you want vs. leafing through a dispatch release and being told what altitudes you have fly, what route, how much fuel, how many pax, then staring at the autopilot for 3 hours....

Just sayin'

 

[drunkenbeagle]

As someone who tried to keep flying the line to stay current while also serving as a full-time union officer, I can tell you that this whole idea of flying while also managing a business is a pipe dream. It all sounds well and good, and theoretically, you might have enough time to do both. But you'll be stressed out, worn ragged, and end up hating both jobs. You've got a very successful small business with a chance of growing it and making a consistent six-figure income. Keep it is my advice.

I know folks that manage to run a few businesses while also flying the line, it can be done.

I would keep the biz myself, get it to the point where you don't need to manage it every minute of your life, then consider flying.

 

[SlumTodd_Millionaire]

I know folks that manage to run a few businesses while also flying the line, it can be done.

I know quite a few, as well. It can certainly be done. But can it be done without a lot of stress and headaches? That's the question, and I think the answer is no. Life is too short for so much stress. He already has a great life with a great business. Don't throw it away on a dream. Believe me, the dream isn't as good as you think it is. It's a good career, but in the end, it's still just a job.