I was about ready to graduate with a music theory and composition degree and was working as a marshaller on the ramp at UPS SDF. I started wondering at the logistics of why certain types of planes were going where and how that was planned and configured ahead of time. Mentioned that to my dad, who was a pilot for them, and he told me about dispatch.
Got a behind the scenes look at the UPS NOC, or whatever they call it. Sat with erstwhile JC Forum member 69Beers watching him do North Atlantic ETOPS flight planning. And that was it! I immediately left behind what would surely have been a massively lucrative career in music for regional pay.
I truly have no passion for aviation: I've never had a desire to fly. I don't care about airplanes. I couldn't point out a difference between a 757 and 767 by looking at them in the sky. But I do take pride in the job and try to learn as much as I can, since it's a big responsibility.
I love the dynamism, coordination, dissemination of information to guess right, problem solving, occasional excitement, creating a good product, trying to keep people safe, the fancy software, the people I work with, evolving processes, thinking steps ahead, logistical challenges, all the monitor screens, the cool working environment and not being in a cubicle, travel benefits, the autonomy to control my own operation without a manager looking over my shoulder, the time off, the responsibility, the pay I've eventually been able to attain, and not having to work a minute after I leave the office.
You've really gotta be "wired" for it to love it. If you're not, you'll find out early enough.
I can't imagine doing anything else - I'm very happy I became a dispatcher.