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PGA07 · March 3rd, 2008, 12:15

I am looking for some advise from those of you who have made the career change and those that are thinking about it.

My present situation is as follows:

I started a new job in February of this year, in an industry that I have been in for the past 4 years. This was basically a lateral move, with an increase in pay.

The job is a sales position in the custom housing market, which as we all know really blows right now. Despite this, I have a guaranteed base of $50,000 on January 01, 2009 with a very real posibility of increasing the guaranteed base to $75,000 on January 01, 2010. When factoring in commissions, I should be well into the six figure mark by 2010, even if the housing market remains in its present condition.

With that being said, I am not completely happy with the type of job it is. However, I am not completely fed up with it either. I guess in terms of happiness, I am in the middle. The fact that I more or less make my own schedule and can have plenty of time to do hobbies is attractive and part of what makes me happy with the position. I also work from my home office 3 or 4 days a week which is nice.

I was bit by the flying bug as a child and am now ready to dive full well into the career change. I have the flight school, I have the inside info. on the industry (thanks to JC) and I have the desire. The decision has to be made by me and I understand this, however, "here's what I would do" from others always helps support a decision (regardless of whether or not the answer contains flying).

Personally, I am in a serious relationship, with no children and ALL debt will be eliminated by the end of this year. I guess you can say that I will be free to fly and go where the jobs are. The decision is a tough one and I know that there are plenty of others who have gone through it or are thinking about it and I welcome all input.

I just question how happy I will be as a career pilot early on while I am making the entry level pay that I will (because I am aware that the newness will ware off). Long term, I think I may make more as a pilot, while working less. I know there are no guarantees in aviation, but there are no guarantees in any job any more. I will end here as this is long enough.

I thank all of you in advance for your insight.

March 3rd, 2008, 12:15	#1
PGA07 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Western Chi-Town Burb's Posts: 615	To Change, Or Not? I am looking for some advise from those of you who have made the career change and those that are thinking about it. My present situation is as follows: I started a new job in February of this year, in an industry that I have been in for the past 4 years. This was basically a lateral move, with an increase in pay. The job is a sales position in the custom housing market, which as we all know really blows right now. Despite this, I have a guaranteed base of $50,000 on January 01, 2009 with a very real posibility of increasing the guaranteed base to $75,000 on January 01, 2010. When factoring in commissions, I should be well into the six figure mark by 2010, even if the housing market remains in its present condition. With that being said, I am not completely happy with the type of job it is. However, I am not completely fed up with it either. I guess in terms of happiness, I am in the middle. The fact that I more or less make my own schedule and can have plenty of time to do hobbies is attractive and part of what makes me happy with the position. I also work from my home office 3 or 4 days a week which is nice. I was bit by the flying bug as a child and am now ready to dive full well into the career change. I have the flight school, I have the inside info. on the industry (thanks to JC) and I have the desire. The decision has to be made by me and I understand this, however, "here's what I would do" from others always helps support a decision (regardless of whether or not the answer contains flying). Personally, I am in a serious relationship, with no children and ALL debt will be eliminated by the end of this year. I guess you can say that I will be free to fly and go where the jobs are. The decision is a tough one and I know that there are plenty of others who have gone through it or are thinking about it and I welcome all input. I just question how happy I will be as a career pilot early on while I am making the entry level pay that I will (because I am aware that the newness will ware off). Long term, I think I may make more as a pilot, while working less. I know there are no guarantees in aviation, but there are no guarantees in any job any more. I will end here as this is long enough. I thank all of you in advance for your insight. __________________ The Salmon Are Here!!! "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!"