Dreaming Scientist

[swingwise]

I am a chemist and chemical engineer (M.S. in Chemistry, nearly an M.E. in Chemical Engineering) and finally realized that I would rather do manual labor than another day in research. So...
I'm beginning flight school at UVSC (Provo Airport). The problem is I need to support a family while I do this. I have a fair amount of savings (graduate school in science pays some so no debt) - enough to pay for flight school if I don't eat or pay rent. That's not an option with 3 kids. So, my question is, for those of you familiar with Salt Lake and its vacinity, where should I try to work? I looked into UPS since that would get me an "in" when I got my flight hours eventually, but they're so seniority based that I'd be looking at a couple of decades wait time, at least that's what the person I talked to there said. I can easily work at a chemical firm but I'd rather get experience. Is the only way to quickly get my CFIs and teach?

[skidz]

Originally Posted by swingwise

I am a chemist and chemical engineer (M.S. in Chemistry, nearly an M.E. in Chemical Engineering) and finally realized that I would rather do manual labor than another day in research.

you're kidding right?

[swingwise]

I guess I should clarify. I dislike research. However, I still do like working in science. Lab work is fine as is quality control. Just not research, which is what I'm in now. I'd definitely rather do almost anything than keep doing research.

[Propilot]

You might just be at the point where you need to stick it out....


Once you get into about your 3rd or 4th year in aviation....the point where all your loans are in repayment but you still arent making more than 30K per year...you start having similar feelings (like, why didnt I stick it out to get my physics degree instead of swtiching to aeronautics in the 4th year????, but I digress).


If you really do want to quit studying for your M.E., I would take the education you do have, get a good chem job with it, and live cheaply to save money for training AND living expenses. see if you can even save enough for the first 2 years of regional pay (to supplement it).

Whatever you do, dont take out any loans or load up your credit cards.

[swingwise]

Yes, I agree on the debt part. However, if anyone has any ideas on useful jobs who knows Salt Lake, I'd appreciate the help. I have until Dec. 17 before I need a job, since that's when this semester ends.

[Flying Ninja]

Last time I checked, chemical engineers get paid some big bucks compared to all other engineering fields of study. With your knowledge, you can easily move into the pharmaceutical industry and make six figures without breaking a sweat. I'm not sure why you'd even consider a career in aviation that is going to land you a $18,000 gross first year with subsequent years marginally above that for the next 3-5 years before making $60k. Anyway, I think you better do a LOT more research as to why you want to get into this aviation industry as a career. If it's for the money and glamour, those days are gone.

Flight training is expensive, and there is a lot of work involved. While I'm sure the course work will be simple to you, time and money are still necessary compounds in your overall molecular equation. Look over this equation again and again and again. And just when you think you got it, you better do an account of all your electrons again, because by then I'm sure something have changed.

[swingwise]

You're right. I can make a lot more money in engineering, and I shouldn't be too shortsighted. I'd be stupid to not finish my ME and make money. The thing is, I think I'd lose my mind if I didn't have something fun to do. Not being big on sports, and having dreamed of flying since I can remember, I think I'd enjoy flying.
However, the money in ChemE, even if I don't do research, means I can still fly. That would work. Just as a hobby.
Being an entrepeneur, I still want to make money from my hobbies. I'm going to do my PPL before May, I hope. If I got my flight instructor certification would I then be able to work as a CFI or do I need instrument certification and Commercial I?

[Flying Ninja]

Now that it's safe to assume you have 0 time, I think you should visit your regional or local airport and look up a flight school that will be willing to do a "discovery flight" with you. After that flight, you can explore your feelings and then look into other flight schools (if there are any others) and do a little research (ha!) on which will provide you with the best bang for your buck. After you get your private pilot certification, you can then re-evaluate your feelings on if you really want to make this a career or not. The industry and the job has changed much since the glory days and any dreamy imagery from the movie "Catch Me If You Can" you can just toss that out.

You can certainly make money in aviation as a hobby by doing it as a flight instructor. Some folks around my airport make anywhere between $30-50 an hour. That's cash. Tax honesty is up to you. So even if you instruct 10 hours a week on the side at $50, that's $500 *cash* a week on top of your day job.

So start with that discovery flight and see where it takes you. And feel free to ask more questions. Best of luck!

[beckyanne19]

Originally Posted by swingwise

You're right. I can make a lot more money in engineering, and I shouldn't be too shortsighted. I'd be stupid to not finish my ME and make money. The thing is, I think I'd lose my mind if I didn't have something fun to do. Not being big on sports, and having dreamed of flying since I can remember, I think I'd enjoy flying.
However, the money in ChemE, even if I don't do research, means I can still fly. That would work. Just as a hobby.
Being an entrepeneur, I still want to make money from my hobbies. I'm going to do my PPL before May, I hope. If I got my flight instructor certification would I then be able to work as a CFI or do I need instrument certification and Commercial I?

Hi Dreaming - I made a lot of money in Chemical Engineering, although I'm finding my total compensation is going down with time just like many other occupations. Still, you can be a halfway decent engineer and make a good living, 6 figures is not unreasonable at all. I like that I have the financial security (important 'cause I have kids, too), but after a while it's getting old. I used to work with lots of big equipment and that was fun, but now I split time between staying awake at meetings and trying to invent new products. I'm taking flying lessons and that's where my mind drifts off in the meetings. Took the kids up with my CFI and they loved it. If I can fly for fun and get my ratings over the next 5 years I can retire early and then the lower income won't hurt as much.

I guess this maybe doesn't help that much for you, but I guess I'd say if your heart is really in flying find some way to satisfy it.

[PGA07]

Suprised no one has said it yet! If the potential is there to make that much money as an engineer, why not do that as a career (making as much money as possible) and fly on the side (for fun)!

As it was said, there will be a point where it is too late to make a change. You will have become acostomed (SP) to a certain income level, a certain lifestyle and it will be VERY VERY DIFFICULT to make that change.

I am not making anywhere near what you may possibly make and I am really thinking about the pros and cons of making the switch. It is not an easy decision and I wish you the best in what ever you decide.