I'll throw in my current situation into the mix. I am 28, married with two small boys. I am going to attend a college to attain an aviation degree. It's not a 4 year school, when I am done, I will be a commercially rated pilot with an Applied Science degree. Being a two year degree, I will most likely be at a disadvantage being compared with 4 year degree holding individual. I arrived at this decision with much trepidation. The cost of schooling would pay for a fully loaded "E" class. I am self employed, and while I attended school, I am able to maintain my business. Most of the opinions of Unions are based on an individuals experiences. I have worked in a Union shop (different field though) with great dismay. They serve their purpose, but are in need of some reform. All in all, they will protect the majority, which is the right thing to do. If every thing goes as planned for me, I project at best that I could be working for a major airline by the time I am 40. Twelve years is a daunting task at 28 years of age. My wife resparked a dormant dream of mine during a dinner discussing what are our long term goals should be. She has so far fully backed me in this venture. She knows that relocating, at least on my part, will be part of the deal. I am scared too say the least, but I am fully committed to do what it takes. I have been reading this forum, and alot of other industry related materials ad nauseam. I'll add this for Doug, I have been a small business owner for some time, and the aviation field would provide me a much needed guaranteed paycheck! Owning your own business is not all it's cracked up to be! Don't be discouraged, the recent clarity in my life I owe gratitude towards someone else. With everything else being said, my only hope is that this industry can move on from 9-11. Not forget, but forge on ahead.
