desire to be a pilot

[igneous]

I swear, every 6 months or so I get a huge desire to become a pilot. It sticks around for a few weeks to a couple months, and then I give it up and go back to my real life like nothing happened.
Right now I basically make a living on the internet with a few websites that I run. I'm not getting rich, but I am getting by. I think I could continue to make this money, and do flight training-instructing-regionals. The problem is that another major focus in my life is to get my own house, which I will probably have to ignore for quite some time if I decide to become a pilot. I dont have a wife or a gf or a family to support, so that stuff isnt an issue at this point. I noticed that requirements are still low, which makes me a bit angry because I probably could have been instructing by now if I had gone with this the last time I thought about it.
I dont really know where else to take my career at this point though. I have a business degree, but dont really want to get into sales. I can continue to make money online, but I'm not sure how far I can take that. I just feel like it would be a career that would fit me well. I know i need to take an intro flight, and I am planning on it. I just dont want to take this big leap for the wrong reasons, but I suppose I always have stuff to fall back on...
I also just turned 25. I know that probably doesnt seem old, but its kind of hitting me hard. It makes you think about different stuff when your friends are starting to get married and such

[DE727UPS]

"which makes me a bit angry because I probably could have been instructing by now if I had gone with this the last time I thought about it."

Don't be angry. Had you jumped right in, would you have your "I am getting by" business going? That counts for a lot, if you ask me. I'd jump in with both feet, at this point, but keeping doing what you're doing, if you can do both. There is no rush. You're still young.

Staying single, and flexible, is a great move. And don't worry about your married friends, they aren't trying to be pilots when they grow up. That complicats things.

[ZachH]

I was in your shoes about 2 years ago. Take a intro flight its going to be a $ 60 dollars well spent, Its going to be hard I am around 120 hours now and I still dont feel close to the airlines. I was a highline/exotic car broker making great money driving flashy cars etc, But i wanted to fly and was not happy. I guess it just kind of clicked and everything fell into place so far, I am happier then ever now being a flight student and know things will get better. I dont know where I will end up with flying. Good luck with everything maybe I helped a little bit.

[igneous]

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

"which makes me a bit angry because I probably could have been instructing by now if I had gone with this the last time I thought about it."

Don't be angry. Had you jumped right in, would you have your "I am getting by" business going? That counts for a lot, if you ask me. I'd jump in with both feet, at this point, but keeping doing what you're doing, if you can do both. There is no rush. You're still young.

Staying single, and flexible, is a great move. And don't worry about your married friends, they aren't trying to be pilots when they grow up. That complicats things.

Thats a good point, I definitely wasn't making much back then...

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by igneous

I also just turned 25. I know that probably doesnt seem old, but its kind of hitting me hard. It makes you think about different stuff when your friends are starting to get married and such

That happened. Then I got married. What's interesting is when you and half your friends are all divorcing at the same time.

Don't sweat it so much.

If you've got the money, I'd buy a house NOW. The market is perfect for buyers right now. Flight training will be there. If you can afford both, definitely do it.

[Wing_96]

You can still become a pilot without making it a career. You may enjoy growing your business, and using flying to be part of that! You could use flying to travel to meet potential clients, etc... But first thing's first. You need to go on that discovery flight and see if it's all that you think it will be.

Good luck!

[HeyEng]

I would say to just get involved in flying. Take the discovery flight and see what you think. Unfortunately, if the bug has bitten you, well, you're screwed. Anyway, if you like it start working on your PPL...take it one day at a time and see where it goes. I too agree that getting married a-sucks. Maybe I am a bitter divorced guy, but hey...just my opinion here.

[Cjordan]

Keep your day job, flight train in your spare time. Keep the emphasis on staying single & unattached, but date around as needed. Having a house ain't all its cracked up to be. There is always some expense on house that needs taking care of, even if a mortgage payment builds equity and rent don't.

Flying and flight training are fun but they're also hard work, not hard physical labor but you know what I mean.

You'll also realize from lurking @ JC that salary for new first officers is the dregs. Seems like a few years into it and after upgrade to the left seat (regional/commuter) you finally get a fairly livable wage, depending on what kind of living you hope to do off the wage (certainly nothing extravagant).