I really didn't have an adjustment period because I was single when I started professional aviation. So the scheduling headaches and time away was 'baked right in' to our relationship.
You need a prairie wife of sorts. Staunchly independent, supportive and able to figuratively load a shotgun and chase off coyotes when you're in town looking at a horse. The type that are looking simply for spiffy non-rev benefits and the 'glamour' of being married to a flyboy are going to eventually drag you through divorce court.
It certainly does take a toll on your personal life because everything starts to revolve around your availability and you really can't plan much in advance. A good example would be that if there are any special events in November, I've got to have Kristie let me know no later than the 14th of the prior month so I can attempt to bid it off.
It all depends on what you're in to. And as much as it pains me to say this, but getting married did cause me to 'recategorize' what I feel is important and what isn't.
I guess it's like when I was single, I'd focus on career and building upon that. But once I got married, I'm way more into building a life with her rather than chasing airplanes and bases and I'm much more reluctant to sacrifice family for my job. And no, I'm not saying that because she's going to probably read this.
Airline families that have children, my hats off to them. I find balancing job and family challenging enough with a wife and three cats!
I'm not sure if that's a positive or negative post, but that's the way I see it October 17, 2005 at 12:23pm PDT. |