Some miscellaneous questions including pay

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I have a copy of the new payscale (which sucks as I'm sure all of you already know)... and was wondering how long typically would it take a new hire to go from training pay to the $32k starting pay to the max figure for their facility level? I understand there are variables, but would just like an estimate.

I already turned down an interview for enroute, and was offered another interview like a month later, this time for terminal. I honestly thought it would take longer for them to call me again as I only had ONE state on my geographic preference... but I guess they are desperate after all.
I need to make a decison whether to go to ATC or remain a pilot. Five years ago when I was utterly clueless (even more so than now) and all googly eyed about flying, that would've been a no-brainer. But at this point I'm really unsure of my future... in a perfect world I would end up at a good major airline after paying my dues at the regional I currently work (slave) for....... but in these times where the good major jobs are so FEW and far between, I'm just not sure that I will ever make it there. I'm not being pessimistic, just realistic. I understand controllers are very frustrated right now also (esp Surreal), and I know that they had a big paycut. Basically, neither side is a LOT more appealing than the other, and thus, my dilemma.

Also, does anyone know a controller who also flies for the Guard/Reserves on the side? It's something I've really wanted to do anyway even if I stay in the airlines. But if I can keep flying that way, I wouldn't mind giving up my crappy regional job/potential future with a major airline for ATC.

[flyguy63]

From what i've been told, you start making the 32k once you arrive at your facility.

[ABP52380]

You'll start at 32k plus locality. Under the new contract you'll be lucky if you EVER make the top of the pay band. Here's the thing; the controllers were given a HUGE pay raise when the old contract was imposed under Garvey, the pendelum swung waaaaaay in favor of the controllers. Basically, the FAA just bent over and and gave the union every thing they wanted. Last year, under the current adminstration, the FAA sought to swing the pendulum back in their favor - and they did in a big way. Does moral suck right now? Yes. Are controllers pissed off? Yes. Will there be a new contract? Most definately. That said, I think it will be some where in between previous contract and the newly imposed non-tract.

I don't know. The grass is always greener. I just resigned my ATC position (at a center that is known as one of the best in the country) to get BACK into flying. Yeah, some may think I'm nuts. Hell, I've had the thought cross my mind once or twice too. However, I really couldn't see myself doing that job for 25 years. I want to fly, always have.

I can tell you this. There is NO guarentee that you'll make the cut. Since I resigned my old center has had several people washout and several more resign (because of pay, work conditions, and/or lack of passion and motivation for the amount of crap you have to deal with.) Is it a great job? A lot of controllers say so. But just know that if you do switch careers making it past the academy in OKC (about 90% pass rate right now) is far removed from actually checking out at your facility.

In the end, you have to do what YOU think will make you happy. For me, that's flying.

[PilotChip]

I just started out here near LA and the locality is what keeps my head up right now. Plus, remember once you qual on fd (or a percentage of all positions in the facility) you'll get that bump to the next paygrade.

Overtime is not something the faa likes to give out these days but sunday pay and holiday time is another bonus!