[jerrywhite7]

Hey thanks for sharing. This is a great place to get different ideas and find out from folks who have gone or who is going through the same thing that you are going through right now. Two years ago I was thinking of going for my life long dream of flying. Today I am happy to say, I am living out that dream. My biggest suggestion is to make sure your other half fully understands what will/could happen to you. Be real with her, because this is going to be a huge sacrifice for her as well. At best you will have low pay and long hours as a flight instructor. Your first job after that will be low pay and long hours as well. It will take years (if ever) to make any type of "real" money, but if (like you stated) your wife makes good money then only a small change in lifestyle might have to be made.

I saved up so that I could have approx. ones years salary in the bank too lessen the blow to my family (i wife, 2 kids).

This is a career that is easier for you in some ways (low pay, gone alot) because it is "your" dream that is being lived out . . . having a family that supports you can make all the difference in the world!

My advice, go get that instrument ticket (the PHD of aviation) make sure you still want to do this . . . Keep looking and posting here at Jetcareers . . . and DONT go to a excellerated program right now . . . they cost too much money, you'd have to give up your great paycheck, and right now there are really no jobs to "accerate" too!

Thanks for posting! Good luck!