Well, that escalated quickly. According to the latest vacancy projection my class is eligible for OAK Captain on the July bid. I’ve been here 8.5 years. Lots to consider.
Pros:
- Be in the left seat before any more black swan events or the increase to age 67
- Sick time / disability pays at Captain rates
- Bump in 401K contributions, profit sharing etc.
- Career goals. Not getting any younger. I turn 49 in Oct.
Cons:
- 3-4 hour commute over several time zones
- Lose control over schedule - back to weekend reserve
- Lose at least one day off per week to commuting
- Cost of commuter hotels, Uber etc
- Lost seniority for vacation bidding
- 6 months ETOPS domicile lock (OAK, LAX, LAS)
- Away from home during son’s last two years of high school
Big question is where do I want to be if the music stops today, junior left seat or senior right seat? And will I have regrets if I choose to bypass, and then the music stops due to age 67, recession, another pandemic, a merger….?