Who's changed "back?"

[WAFlyBoy]

Has anybody here reversed their career change? Did you find it difficult to get back into your original field?

I'm guessing a few years separated from your old career puts you almost back to square one. Any comments?

[PhotoPilot]

I didn't switch 'back', but I switch again. Honestly, for my family and my QOL, it was a great move. I went from working at Cirrus Design as a Standards Pilot and project manager to flying a Cirrus for the owner of a medical software solutions company. From there, I helped him pick out a jet (brand new Premier 1A) and manage and fly his aircraft. He then gave me an opportunity to become a junior exec in his company managing client implementations . . .

I took it. I still fly the Cirrus and have the opportunity to sit right seat in the jet, but the income and resume building are pretty phenomenal. I'm much happier being able to afford to fly for myself on my own terms. Heck, it's also pretty nice to sit in the back of a corporate jet with a beer in my hand after a long day. Aviation was a fun and wonderful career, but the new gig is much better for my family and my sanity.

Just one perspective. Flying can be a great career - I just have a track record of having my passions ruined by trying to make a living at them.

[wayway8]

It took me a while to figure out your signature, but it's pretty cool.

[WAFlyBoy]

Hey Photopilot,

Great story about your career. Sounds like things have worked out pretty well. Thanks for sharing.

[milski]

I have not switched (yet). But I know a few people at my job who left years ago and came back later. Generally, if you leave on good terms, you have a pretty good chance of coming back in the next 3-5 years, if you wish so. Leaving to try something else and coming back is also not frowned upon. That's for a fairly big software company, other industries might be different.

[PhotoPilot]

Originally Posted by WAFlyBoy

Hey Photopilot,

Great story about your career. Sounds like things have worked out pretty well. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! I actually debated sharing because I would hate to turn someone off of aviation because of a misunderstanding. For me, personally, it was wonderful while I was doing it, but it wasn't the right long-term fit. However, if I hadn't done it, I never would have ended up where I am now; I can say, with 100% honesty, that there's no way I would be in a job like this if I hadn't gotten into aviation as a professional.

I learned a lot about myself, my personality, and my priorities as a professional aviator. If I could go back and do it all again, I wouldn't change a thing. Not even the engine failures or the electrical fires.

[PhotoPilot]

Originally Posted by wayway8

It took me a while to figure out your signature, but it's pretty cool.

Wish I could take credit for it, but I stole it. Pretty common saying if you're into cycling. I just got a beautiful lugged steel fixie. Geometry is between a responsive roadie and a track bike. So much nicer than anything that coasts . . .

[Firebird2XC]

I don't think I COULD switch back.

If I went back in the Army, I'd lose rank. NO WAY.

I guess the alternative is find a place to turn wrenches for Army helos.

I hear Corpus Christi is nice.

I think I'll stay where I'm at.

[wrxpilot]

I had a dream the other night that I was back in engineering, and I have to say it was truly a nightmare. I am so glad to be out of that life - I really, really, really hope I never have to go back.

[ComplexHiAv8r]

Originally Posted by PhotoPilot

I still fly the Cirrus ....

The question is should you????

[PhotoPilot]

Originally Posted by ComplexHiAv8r

The question is should you????

Zing!

Yours still giving you fits? Ours has been fine since the in-flight electrical fire . . . THAT was a fun day!

[ComplexHiAv8r]

Annual always seems to take forever, but its back flying. Minor skywatch problem so I look outside more

[MusketeerMan]

Nope...haven't switched back and won't (hope) ever go back to a cubicle life. I'm married with a kid and one on the way, so it's definitely hard right now, but my wife would rather have me loving what I'm doing than not liking my work. She claims I'm a different person (for the better) since I started my 121 job. It's for me and I'm extremely thankful to be here...

[970Flyer]

I left Colorado in '98 and moved to Daytona to attend ERAU. Frustrated with the lack of hiring at the time (2004), I left aviation and moved back to CO with 1,300 hrs. Now, four years later, I an seriously considering a return to aviation. I did my first flight a few weeks ago. Interesing landing, but I lived!!

It's hard to get in aviation, but it's equally hard to get out of it. I can "do" anything for a living, but I will always "be" a pilot.