my current pipe dream

[awf]

Why don't you continue flight instructing and do an online university such as, University of Phoenix or something similar?

Yeah I agree with this post. Don't give up a good flying job to go back to school full time. Now days there are plenty of well accredited reputable online schools you can attend. I do not recommend University of Poenix or ITT Tech, too over priced. Check out Western Governers University, or Lakeland College, or Utah Valley University for starters.

 

[mxflyer]

Check out Western Governers University, or Lakeland College, or Utah Valley University for starters.

I'm not sure about Western Governers University or Lakeland College, but UVU is a decent school. But do yourself a favor and stay away from Aviation Science. You might save some money by "challenging" the university for the credits that would apply to your flight ratings and use those to fulfill elective classes. But I'd stay away from an Aviation Science degree.

 

[CoffeeIcePapers]

I worked full time and took 12-18 hours a semester, off and on. Took me 6 years tofinish, but I did it. You gotta pay your bills man.

 

[skydog2]

It sounds to me like there is a part of you wanting to "go back" and live that part of life that you missed out on, i.e. going away to college. Getting a degree is absolutely the right thing to do if you can bring it off, but quitting a good job and moving across the country so you can live "at home" is the wrong way to do it. Stay in Florida (surely you must qualify for in-state tuition by now) and go to school, even if you have to do it part time.

 

[bLizZuE]

There is a local college that I could attend and stay where I'm at, and I still have to check into what they offer. I have thought about doing it online and part time as well, however I think I would do better with a classroom. I don't know.

You're right about wanting to go back, I would love to be back in Idaho. Unfortunately I wouldn't be living at home though as I have no family in Boise.

 

[launchpad]

There is a local college that I could attend and stay where I'm at, and I still have to check into what they offer. I have thought about doing it online and part time as well, however I think I would do better with a classroom. I don't know.

You're right about wanting to go back, I would love to be back in Idaho. Unfortunately I wouldn't be living at home though as I have no family in Boise.

I did a couple classes for fun at Indian River CC there in Vero. It's not that expensive, and they have some decent classes with a lot of online options. Maybe you can get your general ed stuff out of the way while you're working, then figure something out when the time comes.

 

[surreal1221]

School.

Get the degree in something that interests you and that you can utilize as a profession. Believe or not, even Liberal Arts degrees are sought after by some employers - especially ones that focus specifically on the primary subject matter.

Good luck.

 

[NickH]

Five years ago I had a career. I never imagined that five years later I'd be living in a foreign country, doing what I'd always dreamed of and flying airplanes. Now I'm in a similar situation. It's been a wild ride. In the process I spent my life savings, got married, arrested, had the longest vacation of my life thanks to INS, traveled across the country a half dozen times (twice by car!), flown a half dozen warbirds, and totaled up just under 2000 hours. I also met you, although you probably wouldn't remember.

I've learned a hell of a lot along the way, not all of which is necessarily for the better. As such, I won't try to pass this philosophy along as wisdom, but merely 'what I think right now': At this point it's not about where you're trying to get, but how you get there. So go and try school, see if you can make it work. If it doesn't, try something else, it's all life experience. The race to get to 'the best possible future' is what led idiots to fly shiny jets with 17 hours.

 

[texas_pilot]

Boise Wx = Fla Wx?
Five years from beginning training with ATP rated with 2,000 hours ( PIC) is a pretty decent achievement, but wouldn't 3,000 or more be better?
I don't think you have a definate new career in mind, so I say take some part-time college in FLA where you KNOW you can work, for the basics and continue to improve your numbers/ network contacts.

 

[BaronPete]

I did a couple classes for fun at Indian River CC there in Vero. It's not that expensive, and they have some decent classes with a lot of online options. Maybe you can get your general ed stuff out of the way while you're working, then figure something out when the time comes.

Very sage advice. I would love to be in your seat right now, man. Keep your job and take all of your CORE classes at a community college / online. Most of these classes are the same ones taught at the major programs, just at a fraction of a cost.

In fact, with a little research or, at worst, a few phone calls, one can easily find out whether or not this class will transfer to this institution or not. Aside from pre-med or engineering degrees, all core classes tend to be the same anyway. What you'll have earned yourself is a job still doing what you love (sort of), a 2 year foundation of college classes, the ability to move where ever and finish up most any degree in 2 years tops.

I feel like with this option you're kind of hedging your bets to get the best possible reward. 2 years from now, you might be picked up by the airlines. Great, now you'll just have the area of study-specific courses to finish a degree later on. Don't get picked up? Well hey, you're still current, you're still flying, you've got 2 years of foundation out of the way! Hell, move and get your graduate on!

Regards

My .02