jetcareers - View Single Post - Quit Now or Another Option-Career Changing Soon to be Story

ifly · April 13th, 2006, 13:07

Thanks again everything. I am overwhelmed with the outstanding response and feedback. I read a post a few weeks back that said you have to read and accept the cons side of making a career change to a pilot. This is very hard to do but as numerous real life stories indicate on this thread, you’re crazy if you don't listen and think hard about it.

Just an update for you. I am a bit down about dropping everything and making a drastic change. These threads have opened my eyes to the reality of it all. However, my dreams to eventually be involved in aviation and fly jets are still with me. As Astin10 points out, he has no regrets following the dream, living the dream and realizing the dream is not all he thought or wanted it to be. But, he tried and can now accept the office job again. I feel the same way. I encourage people to follow the dream and I know I still have too. I have to find out and put to bed the what ifs.

However, and this is a big however, I am NOT going to take an all or nothing approach. I will go at it much slower than I had planned. This means keeping my day job for now, saving money, fly on the weekends/evenings, maybe even attending ATP'S 10-month program but try to pay cash for most of it which will require a little bit more savings and time. But, I can still fly at a local FBO and gain experience. I do want to instruct if even part time. I want to stress this is not my first choice, I want it all and I want it all now but I also enjoy our current QOL. This is my plan but each day my heart says quiet and follow your dream but my gut says, be smart about it. That damn gut thing. I hope to follow my gut. In life so far, my gut is usually right. But, I am truly unhappy at work.

Either way, this approach for now gives me an acceptable alternative to quiting and flying full time. I know arguments can be made at my age, time is of the essence and I totally understand. I know I will give aviation a try, but it may be 2-4 years yet. I have set an age 40 no later than goal. I am now 35.

Once again, outstanding feedback from everyone. Hats off to JC and all who posted. I hope this helps others as well.

April 13th, 2006, 13:07	#39
ifly Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 16	Thanks again everything. I am overwhelmed with the outstanding response and feedback. I read a post a few weeks back that said you have to read and accept the cons side of making a career change to a pilot. This is very hard to do but as numerous real life stories indicate on this thread, you’re crazy if you don't listen and think hard about it. Just an update for you. I am a bit down about dropping everything and making a drastic change. These threads have opened my eyes to the reality of it all. However, my dreams to eventually be involved in aviation and fly jets are still with me. As Astin10 points out, he has no regrets following the dream, living the dream and realizing the dream is not all he thought or wanted it to be. But, he tried and can now accept the office job again. I feel the same way. I encourage people to follow the dream and I know I still have too. I have to find out and put to bed the what ifs. However, and this is a big however, I am NOT going to take an all or nothing approach. I will go at it much slower than I had planned. This means keeping my day job for now, saving money, fly on the weekends/evenings, maybe even attending ATP'S 10-month program but try to pay cash for most of it which will require a little bit more savings and time. But, I can still fly at a local FBO and gain experience. I do want to instruct if even part time. I want to stress this is not my first choice, I want it all and I want it all now but I also enjoy our current QOL. This is my plan but each day my heart says quiet and follow your dream but my gut says, be smart about it. That damn gut thing. I hope to follow my gut. In life so far, my gut is usually right. But, I am truly unhappy at work. Either way, this approach for now gives me an acceptable alternative to quiting and flying full time. I know arguments can be made at my age, time is of the essence and I totally understand. I know I will give aviation a try, but it may be 2-4 years yet. I have set an age 40 no later than goal. I am now 35. Once again, outstanding feedback from everyone. Hats off to JC and all who posted. I hope this helps others as well.