jetcareers - View Single Post - First year FO -- Need some career direction please

Alchemy · September 11th, 2006, 03:35

I would just stay at your current position if I were you. Enjoy your time as an FO and continue with no expectations. I told myself when I went into to my current regional that I'd be thrilled with anything less than a 5 year upgrade, which is almost double what crew planning told us our upgrade would be in newhire training. Even if I don't get it at 5 years, fine.

I too have flown with people that have told me "you're not at the right place". Personally I'm not in this to make 777 captain at age 35 or any far-fetched dream like that. I'm in it to make a decent living, provide safe air transport to the public, and enjoy the few perks that the 121 world does offer.

Ask yourself, would it be a total disappointment to find yourself still in the right seat in 4 years making about 40k/yr with a decent schedule and time off? For me the answer is "OK" (but that's not to say I won't fight for better at contract time). I would worry about finding another job when the furlough comes (it will come eventually) or when you feel you are qualified for a significantly better paying position.

Unfortunately, I think "lowered expectations" might be the key phrase when it comes to finding happiness in this profession, especially at the regional level. Cherish what you have, and don't be bitter about "what could have been". My 2 cents.

September 11th, 2006, 03:35	#6
Alchemy Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 1,752	Re: First year FO -- Need some career direction please I would just stay at your current position if I were you. Enjoy your time as an FO and continue with no expectations. I told myself when I went into to my current regional that I'd be thrilled with anything less than a 5 year upgrade, which is almost double what crew planning told us our upgrade would be in newhire training. Even if I don't get it at 5 years, fine. I too have flown with people that have told me "you're not at the right place". Personally I'm not in this to make 777 captain at age 35 or any far-fetched dream like that. I'm in it to make a decent living, provide safe air transport to the public, and enjoy the few perks that the 121 world does offer. Ask yourself, would it be a total disappointment to find yourself still in the right seat in 4 years making about 40k/yr with a decent schedule and time off? For me the answer is "OK" (but that's not to say I won't fight for better at contract time). I would worry about finding another job when the furlough comes (it will come eventually) or when you feel you are qualified for a significantly better paying position. Unfortunately, I think "lowered expectations" might be the key phrase when it comes to finding happiness in this profession, especially at the regional level. Cherish what you have, and don't be bitter about "what could have been". My 2 cents.