You're probably right that there are many locations where I could work less and make more money. I could work more with a better hour wage, as well. I would rather have a salary (even if it is 28k) to survive off, rather then hoping and praying the weather is good enough so I can skimp my student of money. Worst of all, the instructors who do it anyways and say "Let's try it", knowing full in well that they can't fly. Keep the engine running for an hour tho gets him $25. There are definitely pros and cons and working for $11.60 hour wage is not a pro at all. With my $90,000 student loans, rent, insurance, bills, etc. Myself personally would rather have a salary then gambling in other locations across the nation that the weather was good and that I actually had students that showed up in the first place to make money.
I know my worth but I've tried to play that game. Most flight schools won't do negotiations like I had hoped. It was either "here's your pay or go somewhere else". I realize we are all our own worst enemies and especially in the regional sector but I imagine me standing up against them to revolt isn't going to make any impact as the 100 guys behind me will take the job too.
Either way, by no means am I bragging about my pay. I know it's not a lot but there are MANY flight instructors that I know throughout my training who've made significantly less then that and were working full time. I just think of it as a pick and choose your battles. There are many American students who are worse than international students, as well. Probably not as bad as the college atmosphere is but I liked TransPac and I use to make about $30k as a ramp agent and could make it work. This just made me more comfortable for the flight time they'll give me and the general happiness everyone has from coming from that company.
Of course if I instructed millionaires in SFO or LAX, I could probably live comfortable enough at $40k and fly just as much in Phoenix. Those are all valid statements against my reasoning, but again, just gotta pick and choose your battles. I guarantee when I go work for a regional and actually probably take a pay cut then people will be saying I'm stupid and I should fight the system. I have played into the picture and by no means did I just take the first job at highest number I saw. I outweighed my options and thought this place would probably suit my personality and lifestyle more. I like to work too. Some don't. I don't really have a "right" answer against all your valid statements. Anyone can definitely feel free to judge away at me for taking this job, but at the end of the day I'm happy where I am at in my career and very much look forward to teaching.
