My Perspective after changing careers

BrettInLJ · March 13th, 2006, 11:06

I wanted to post my perspective to fellow prospective career changers out there now that I have made the plunge and working as a full time flight instructor.

My first piece of advice is to finish your degree first. Second, save up as much money as you can by cutting expenses, etc. Keep in mind though, you need to draw the line somewhere and make the plunge and go full time. Going part time will always be more economical, but there comes a point in your training where you should concentrate on it full time. For me, it was taking me forever to finish up my commercial until I finally quit my job. It really helps to fly twice a day and live and breathe aviation. When it comes time for your CFI, you should definitely concentrate on only that. I have seen people try to work and go to school during this time and it really delays their progress.

For me I know now that I made the right choice. I went from a very nice salary in a cushy corporate job to having to watch every dollar I spend, but I never knew until now what it is like to love your job. Being able to leave work after sunset walking across the tarmac with a smile on your face is priceless. I actually enjoy instructing, something I wasn't sure about initially, so that makes this whole process much better.

This advice is only based on what worked good for me. If you can concentrate on your training while holding a job you don't like full time, then more power to you. For me, it was all about taking the plunge and total immersion, even if it costs me a little bit more financially. You will be a much better person if you do what you want in life.

Lee D · March 13th, 2006, 12:01

Based on my own experience I would agree with that. I had my instrument before I totally devoted my full time to this. Save as much as you can prior to getting into this, and/or keep your expenses LOW. Chances are you will still really struggle financially.

I am into my second year at a regional and we are finally starting to get back on track financially. Even so I have yet to match what I earned as a college grad several years out of school. (Though that will change by the end of this year.

) I made OK money before this, but I hated going to work, and although some days flying feels like "just a job," I have to say I have enjoyed it much more than the old office job or any job I know of. Still, being home is better than ANY type of working.

AP2B · March 13th, 2006, 14:24

Thanks fellas, you guys are helping maintain my patience. If I really want it(which I really do), I'm going to have to do it right. I Will finish my degree and have to work professionaly before I commit 100%.

Not that anyone really cares, but I might be one of those 3000 instructor guys. I know there will be a point when I'll want to move on, but If I find a home instructing where the pay's not that less than in an RJ, I might stay for a while. Teaching to me is very rewarding, to be able to do that with aircraft seems pretty damn cool. My wife's career is really launching, and she loves me EVEN WITH all of my aviation baggage.

EDUC8-or · March 13th, 2006, 16:28

I worked full time outside of flying until I was offered a class date with a regional. Granted it took me longer (3 & 1/2 years from 0 time to class date) I have a savings account that I can dip into when the car breaks down or for other emergencies. First year regional pay stinks!

I flew just about 5 times a week until I got my CFI and then I flew 2-3 times a day 7 days a week. It can be done if you're working full time.

AP2B · March 13th, 2006, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDUC8-or

I worked full time outside of flying until I was offered a class date with a regional. Granted it took me longer (3 & 1/2 years from 0 time to class date) I have a savings account that I can dip into when the car breaks down or for other emergencies. First year regional pay stinks!

I flew just about 5 times a week until I got my CFI and then I flew 2-3 times a day 7 days a week. It can be done if you're working full time.

Sounds like a plan for sure.

IndianaPilot · March 13th, 2006, 22:00

when i eventually reach that stage of being a CFI my current job schedule would be perfect.....I work 24 hours on, then 48 off. That comes out to only 2 - 3 days a week and thats full time with a set schedule all the time...same rotation. So i have a LOT of time off and it would be easy to instruct part time.....WHEN i reach that point of course

frog_flyer · March 17th, 2006, 03:46

yeah.... i'm not sure how your schedule works, but its 7-7 in dfr (dallas fire rescue). you'd prolly get alot of sleep during any normal shift, but your'e gonna have a heck of a time making a 10 o clock flight if you've been up all night fightin a 6 alarm.

i should start bluelighting again... that was fun

March 13th, 2006, 11:06	#1
BrettInLJ Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Home:SFO Work:MSP Posts: 1,035	My Perspective after changing careers I wanted to post my perspective to fellow prospective career changers out there now that I have made the plunge and working as a full time flight instructor. My first piece of advice is to finish your degree first. Second, save up as much money as you can by cutting expenses, etc. Keep in mind though, you need to draw the line somewhere and make the plunge and go full time. Going part time will always be more economical, but there comes a point in your training where you should concentrate on it full time. For me, it was taking me forever to finish up my commercial until I finally quit my job. It really helps to fly twice a day and live and breathe aviation. When it comes time for your CFI, you should definitely concentrate on only that. I have seen people try to work and go to school during this time and it really delays their progress. For me I know now that I made the right choice. I went from a very nice salary in a cushy corporate job to having to watch every dollar I spend, but I never knew until now what it is like to love your job. Being able to leave work after sunset walking across the tarmac with a smile on your face is priceless. I actually enjoy instructing, something I wasn't sure about initially, so that makes this whole process much better. This advice is only based on what worked good for me. If you can concentrate on your training while holding a job you don't like full time, then more power to you. For me, it was all about taking the plunge and total immersion, even if it costs me a little bit more financially. You will be a much better person if you do what you want in life. __________________ My flight training blog: http://airbrett.blogspot.com/

March 17th, 2006, 03:46	#7
frog_flyer Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: FTW Posts: 4,060 Blog Entries: 1	yeah.... i'm not sure how your schedule works, but its 7-7 in dfr (dallas fire rescue). you'd prolly get alot of sleep during any normal shift, but your'e gonna have a heck of a time making a 10 o clock flight if you've been up all night fightin a 6 alarm. i should start bluelighting again... that was fun __________________ "There needs to be more drinking here on JC. We need more ******* partying!" -Doug Taylor 210TT 20 ME

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March 13th, 2006, 12:01	#2
Lee D Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 635	Based on my own experience I would agree with that. I had my instrument before I totally devoted my full time to this. Save as much as you can prior to getting into this, and/or keep your expenses LOW. Chances are you will still really struggle financially. I am into my second year at a regional and we are finally starting to get back on track financially. Even so I have yet to match what I earned as a college grad several years out of school. (Though that will change by the end of this year. ) I made OK money before this, but I hated going to work, and although some days flying feels like "just a job," I have to say I have enjoyed it much more than the old office job or any job I know of. Still, being home is better than ANY type of working.

March 13th, 2006, 14:24	#3
AP2B Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: The IND SOC / TYQ Posts: 636	Thanks fellas, you guys are helping maintain my patience. If I really want it(which I really do), I'm going to have to do it right. I Will finish my degree and have to work professionaly before I commit 100%. Not that anyone really cares, but I might be one of those 3000 instructor guys. I know there will be a point when I'll want to move on, but If I find a home instructing where the pay's not that less than in an RJ, I might stay for a while. Teaching to me is very rewarding, to be able to do that with aircraft seems pretty damn cool. My wife's career is really launching, and she loves me EVEN WITH all of my aviation baggage.

March 13th, 2006, 16:28	#4
EDUC8-or Old Skool Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: NC Posts: 2,287	I worked full time outside of flying until I was offered a class date with a regional. Granted it took me longer (3 & 1/2 years from 0 time to class date) I have a savings account that I can dip into when the car breaks down or for other emergencies. First year regional pay stinks! I flew just about 5 times a week until I got my CFI and then I flew 2-3 times a day 7 days a week. It can be done if you're working full time.

March 13th, 2006, 22:00	#6
IndianaPilot Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 423	when i eventually reach that stage of being a CFI my current job schedule would be perfect.....I work 24 hours on, then 48 off. That comes out to only 2 - 3 days a week and thats full time with a set schedule all the time...same rotation. So i have a LOT of time off and it would be easy to instruct part time.....WHEN i reach that point of course