Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Airdale · July 5th, 2006, 17:02

Maybe this isn't the right part of the board here, but I need some advice.

Things are getting tough right now. Here's a little backround:

2 years after high school I joined the military (U.S. Coast Guard). I've been with my high school sweetheart for 7 years, we're engaged now with a wedding planned for June of next year. I've always wanted to be a commercial pilot since I was a little kid. She knows this, and she's been extremely supportive. During my 4 year tour in the Coast Guard, I probably spent about 2 years total away from home on some sort of deployment. We worked through it and it wasn't a big issue.

After Coast Guard I went to Jax florida for what was supposed to be 2 months of Private Pilot training but turned into 3 because of weather. I finished that, came home for about a month and a half then hit the road (or sky should I say) for Cross countries for 3 weeks, home for a week then CFI school for 2 weeks. After that I got hired to instruct at the school, went to Jax for new hire training, was there 1 month, got a position at DC and moved there. I've been here for 2 months and have only seen my fiance about 3 times in 4 months. Needless to say this is getting tough. On all sides.

Our relationship is great, and we deal with the seperations quite well - or so it seemed before. Lately both of us have started to question what I'm doing. I'm pursuing this life long childhood dream, but its not turning out to be all I thought it would. I have spent more time training and training others then I have seen her. I drive 3 1/2 hours to see her every chance I get, which is limited. My car is falling apart after putting 6k miles on it in almost two months. It needs a lot of work. To top that off, the pay is so bad, that I'm having a hard time adjusting to this. I make now half of what I made in the military as an E4, and those prior military know that E4 pay isn't great, but it gets you by.

Word on the street and on every internet site you visit is the airline industry is crap. I can expect maybe $20k/year at a Regional and time away from home is probably going to be about the same. I've dreamed of flying passenger jets since I was a child, but now I dream of just being home with my fiance and raising a family. My paycheck damn near qualifies me for food stamps and people collecting unemployment make more then I do. I love aviation, but lately I'm starting to lose the edge. I'm turning into Cougar, who's thinking about turning in his wings for a life with a family. If I wanted to be away from home all the time, I could have stayed in the military, at least I'd make decent money and be well taken care of. I don't even have health benefits. I pray I don't get sick anytime soon or have to visit a doctor. I can't afford it.

I went from enjoying life with my girl, spending time on the water fishing and taking day trips, driving a nice truck and having a good time - to - miserably broke, home sick for the love of my life and scrapping pennies off the floor to maybe get to eat three meals a day. My only joy is when we're off the ground flying. Other then that - Life SUCKS!! I'm about to bail and pull the rip cord. Take up the family business and pay off this flight training loan ($50k) and accept my losses. I've got 300hrs now and have a long way to go before I get to good QOL and pay. I'm starting to wonder if this is even worth it anymore. Sometimes in the middle of the night I just want to drive home to my fiance.

Can someone give me some insight, maybe some words of encouragement, that maybe pursuing my dream of being a commercial pilot is worth it? Worth more then my fiance? She asked me at what point do I just come home to her. She's never said that before, but now she's getting really frustrated about never seeing me. I don't blame her, I feel the same way. I'm affraid she's not going to take this much longer. Its getting rocky and I'm not sure what to do. Help?

Airdale · July 5th, 2006, 17:06

Oh and as far as an FBO job near home, already looked into it and the pay isn't any better but rather then flying nice twin engine airplanes I'd be flying busted 152's. Literally. They have multi colored door panels.

Andrew_VT · July 5th, 2006, 17:23

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, I was lucky enough to meet my girl before she made her final career choice, and we both decided that if we were going to work she would have to have a job that was mobile, so I basically talked her out of paramedic school and into nursing school. There is such a nursing shortage she can walk into any hospital in the country and demand the 3am to 10am shift and she'd get it. Also, commuting is the devil, no way i could deal with not seeing my girl as much as you said you have. My advice is take the busted ole' 152s.. its good enough for the rest of us. I work in my hometown, and still get to hang out with all of my old high school buddies on a regular basis, snowmobiling in the winter and drinking on the boat and sailing in the summer. Does it bother me i make around $10-15k a year...nope. Does it bother me the biggest plane i get to fly is a piper arrow....nope. Its all about QOL, and ive perfected living cheap and loving it. As long as i have my girl, my friends, and my ambiance (i live in a very secluded and beautiful part of our country) I'm happy. After i get 1200TT the oppertunities are plentiful, and the pay does go up...a little. This is true even with little multi time. I'm planning on just paying for an empty MEL, that is get my MEL in as little time (money) as possible and thats it. No ME instructing. Ram air actually says on their site they want canadates with very little ME time.

Andrew

scoobs · July 5th, 2006, 18:05

How come you didn't want to fly in the CG?

Windchill · July 5th, 2006, 18:19

After reading your situation ... I would advise the following. Pursue your ratings to allow yourself to be a proficicient pilot, have the flexibility to fly to places and back home when the weather sours, and maintain a part-time gig (CFI) ... and fly as a hobby. Use your passion to fly you and your fiance/wife around to fun destinations.

At the rate you're going with the frustration, you may experience burnout with the flying, and the relationship may be gone before that.

It sounds like you sorely miss and place an emphasis on an enjoyable quality of life ... so persue that route.

Due to family/finances, I opted to shy away from flying as a career for now, and allow it to still serve the family as an enjoyable means of visiting family and friends.

Airdale · July 5th, 2006, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoobs

How come you didn't want to fly in the CG?

Would have taken too long. Either needed a 4yr BS, which I don't have, or make E5 and pray you get you OCS package accepted. Or make Chief then try and make Warrant then try and get a pilot slot. Pilot slots are tough to come by in the CG.

meritflyer · July 5th, 2006, 20:01

Air Dale,

I can understand your thoughts and I am with you 100%. I was in the same boat. I went to professional flight school in Phoenix and luckily b/c of a business I had built, I was able to pay cash for school. I earned all of my commercial ratings and just recently did my instructor ratings (CFIIME). I had a great paying job prior to entering flight school (six figures), a thriving company, nice cars, and a decent QOL with my wife.

So what did I do? I left my job enrolled in flight school and planned on pursuing my dream of making captain on a major one day. After I got into the industry a little bit and poked my nose around, I was also having a hard time with CFI and FO pay. Even though my income would be supplemented by my company, it didnt sit well. I couldnt imagine being a captain one day making six figures, having my house and family, then getting furloughed or the company I work for going bust. It was an awful thought. I thought to myself how would I make it. What kind of stress would I put on my family when this situation happens?

It came down to me having to make a choice. Establishing a stable, great paying career and flying for fun or flying as a professional. My thoughts were I can have a job with company X and still fly but I cant fly professionally and have a job with company X. So, I made the tough decision to take a job with my previous employer that started me out basically at captains pay my first year. I still average about 20 hours in the air a month and instruct a little here and there but I realized I had a decision to make. Be a professional aviator with all that comes along with it (which can be ALOT of bad and good) or be a businessman that has an incredibly stable job and with the rate of pay I have now can afford my own aircraft and still fly a fair amount.

There is no right or wrong answer but I feel your despair completely. You need to weigh your options. In my case it was sooner than later. I didnt want the seemingly unstable life of a professional pilot. Doesnt mean I cant still be involved in aviation.. just on a different level.

I jumped into my family business. The offer was just too good. Now, I fly for fun and work for food. I was a little inspired by a wrist watch ad I saw in AOPA's magazine featuring John Travolta. The theme of the ad said 'Profession: Actor, Career: Pilot'. That told me that I could still be involved on the highest level just not as a profession.

Let me know what you decide. Good luck.

B767Driver · July 5th, 2006, 20:18

This situation is why airlines can get away with pay for training and/or hire for low wages. There is no easy way into the professional piloting industry...and thousands of folks have travelled down the road you are travelling now. Been there...done that myself. Unfortunately the industry places little to no value on a pilot without any type of experience, ie less than 1500 hours total time...there is really no place to go except to flight instruct, tow banners, etc. Enter now...the pay for the job programs. They scam on the low timers...well enough said about that.

Here's what I did...and the perspective I took when I was in your shoes.

1. I realized that making it into a cockpit as a professional pilot was a) very difficult, b) took a long time build the experience necessary to become competitive and c) understood that the opportunity might never present itself. With that in mind, I set out to do everything I could to build experience to qualify for a professional flying career and concurrent with that...prepared myself for a career outside of aviation.

2) I set a time limit on making it as a professional pilot. I was a CFI at 19 years of age...so I got an early start. If I wasn't in a decent position at the age of 30...I would bail and become upwardly mobile in another career. I would constantly evaluate my progress and revise my goals accordingly.

As you can see....I didn't give it 3, 5 or ten years....but 11 years to build experience and acheive my goals. It's a long process...don't get discouraged if you're not a 767 captain in a decade. If that's your expectations...you need to change them.

3) Along the way...my career progressed...from CFI to charter pilot...to freight dog...to commuter dog...to crummy major to a great major that went crummy. I loved every minute of it...and still do. So I'm glad I stuck with it.

It has been so true...for me...that the 'journey is the destination'. It's a fickle profession, career and industry. I always stand ready to make my living in another line of work...but so far...I enjoy the challenge of this one. If this career fails...I look forward to the challenge of a new one.

There are a lot of sacrifices...financial, personal and otherwise. I learned to fly in a university setting with 40 other classmates. I only know of about 8 still flying professionally...so better than 75% of them decided that the career was not for them and bailed. Many needed quicker gratification from their careers than aviation was able to provide. It's a good decade before the good jobs really begin to present themselves in a typical career progression. But then...you'll only be 30ish with 30 years to go.

Good luck...but most of all make peace with your situation. When you're mind is at ease...you'll know you've made the right decision.

Also, remember, pain is temporary.

I'm sure you'll get some good feedback from the great professionals on this website.

B767Driver · July 5th, 2006, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by meritflyer

. I was a little inspired by a wrist watch ad I saw in AOPA's magazine featuring John Travolta. The theme of the ad said 'Profession: Actor, Career: Pilot'. That told me that I could still be involved on the highest level just not as a profession.

Let me know what you decide. Good luck.

FWIW,

That ad rubs me the wrong way. It actually says 'Profession: Pilot. Career: Actor'.

That's someone offensive to me. How many part 135/121 checkrides to you think he's taken? How many paychecks has he received from providing flying services? How many 8 week training programs has he completed with his career and livelihood on the line with a single checkride?

Do you think he's established his lifestyle by forging on as a professional pilot?

If so...my apologies.

Otherwise...don't go calling yourself a professional pilot if you're not bringing home the bacon by carrying the mail.

meritflyer · July 5th, 2006, 20:41

I think he's a very accomplished aviator. There is nothing wrong with that ad. Its only an ad. I think it has a very positive message that conveys you can be a very accomplished aviator without doing it as a profession which is true. I know several 10,000 hr jet pilots who have never earned a dime as a "professional" pilot. Does that mean they arent as accomplished as a 767 captain? I guess it depends on who you ask.

Its not about who pilots the bigger airplane...

B767Driver · July 5th, 2006, 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by meritflyer

I know several 10,000 hr jet pilots who have never earned a dime as a "professional" pilot. Does that mean they arent as accomplished as a 767 captain? I guess it depends on who you ask.

Its not about who pilots the bigger airplane...

It doesn't mean they aren't accomplished...it means they aren't professional pilots...and don't have to deal with the same pressures and decisions that professionals have to make.

I assume they own their own jet. If the weather looks a little tough with 600 rvr at the destination...they can delay or cancel. The CAT 3 certified pro is going.

If I'm a great community theater actor...who has never earned a dime doing Shakespeare...no way I'm calling myself a professional...even if I'm awesome...I don't have the same pressures of a daily routine that the Juilenne trained Broadway employed actor does.

Let's call him an accomplished enthusiast...isn't that what he is?

B767Driver · July 5th, 2006, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by meritflyer

I think it has a very positive message that conveys you can be a very accomplished aviator without doing it as a profession which is true. ...

Isn't he stating that it's his profession in the ad?

meritflyer · July 5th, 2006, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by B767Driver

Let's call him an accomplished enthusiast...isn't that what he is?

Works for me. I think you understand my point though, atleast I hope you do.

meritflyer · July 5th, 2006, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by B767Driver

Isn't he stating that it's his profession in the ad?

Lets not get into who is stating what; purely a matter of opinion. I think you're reading into it a little to in depth. I am sure JT personally isnt stating he is a pro. I would speculate it was some marketing exec at the watch company.

scoobs · July 6th, 2006, 00:35

Yeah but retirement and collecting a decent check would have been worth it. How much longer did you need to make O-5? Plus you are going to get your degree right? CG aviation is hurting and getting into OCS is tough but once you get commisioned you can apply right away and you can get a slot pretty quick. Either way the regionals suck and avoid it at all cost. Look at charter or cargo.

Kristie · July 6th, 2006, 19:20

I know how you feel Airdale... we've been there... back then, was really REALLY a difficult time, i had a lot of doubts that we would be able to make it... I could give you my side but doug's side would probably be much more understandable since he was the one going for the career...

as for me, i had to decide whether I wanted to stay with a happy guy or try to change him into something he's not.. i knew the whole changing scenario would never work so i opted to "tough it out" and follow the yellow brick road, to where, i had no idea...for us, it worked... and at some point, say 4-5 years from now, the industry might upturn as we're starting to see with all of this hiring going on and possibility of major's hiring soon and all....

but yes, you do have to weigh the options carefully because the last thing she wants is an unhappy husband...accepting that she can't be #1 on your list until you've achieved success is really the hardest place to be and with a wedding on the way, it don't think it's going to get easier

liek B767driver said -> the pain is temporary...it may last a few years till you get up to where you can find a decent job/benefits...but it does get better...it takes time, patience and dedication on both your parts to make it work...

what's the possibility that she can move over to you? or that you can work out a compromise on some of the issues so that you can keep going with your pursuits and she can keep going with hers?

Airdale · July 6th, 2006, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristie

I know how you feel Airdale... we've been there... back then, was really REALLY a difficult time, i had a lot of doubts that we would be able to make it... I could give you my side but doug's side would probably be much more understandable since he was the one going for the career...

as for me, i had to decide whether I wanted to stay with a happy guy or try to change him into something he's not.. i knew the whole changing scenario would never work so i opted to "tough it out" and follow the yellow brick road, to where, i had no idea...for us, it worked... and at some point, say 4-5 years from now, the industry might upturn as we're starting to see with all of this hiring going on and possibility of major's hiring soon and all....

but yes, you do have to weigh the options carefully because the last thing she wants is an unhappy husband...accepting that she can't be #1 on your list until you've achieved success is really the hardest place to be and with a wedding on the way, it don't think it's going to get easier

liek B767driver said -> the pain is temporary...it may last a few years till you get up to where you can find a decent job/benefits...but it does get better...it takes time, patience and dedication on both your parts to make it work...

what's the possibility that she can move over to you? or that you can work out a compromise on some of the issues so that you can keep going with your pursuits and she can keep going with hers?

Thanks a lot for all of the replies, I appreciate them.

I think I was just freaking out the other day, its really the first time I've done that in this career and I think it might have been related to not flying in almost a week because of weather. When time is going in to the logbook everyday, I can see the progress and it's somewhat comforting.

She's a tough sport though, I'll give her that. And she's in for the long haul. We had a long talk the other night, and we've had them before. I enjoy instructing at ATP and it's only a matter of time before I get located back near home. That will certainly make things easier. She is a school teacher, and she teaches special ed. The state of New Jersey pays her very well as a teacher, so financially, I just need to be where she is so that her income can take care of things.

I plan on instructing back home, hopefully in the near future, and building my hours until I can get on with a Regional or Cargo based in PHL or EWR. Financially we just can not afford to move somewhere else unless its for a job that pays enough to support both of us. I'm not relocating without her. I won't be making enough money at a regional or entry level cargo position to support her while she looks for another job. As far as regionals go, I have a few choice's that would more then likely put me within driving distance. Expressjet and Air Wisconsin. I will move later on the down road for an opportunity with a Major, but I can't afford to do it on regional pay.

I'm doing ATP's RJ course in a few months and by then I'll have over 500TT as things seem. With the RJ course I can probably get on at one of the above mentioned soon afterwards.

We'll see, but for now I'm staying the course. Too much money and time invested to bail at this point. Plus I love flying and I know I'm close to where I dreamed of being as a kid. Just gotta keep pushing on and hopefully soon I'll be heading up to Jersey to instruct there. The ideal situation is be based with a regional out of Philly or Newark, that way the low pay isn't a big issue because of her salary. I can make due with that and probably be pretty happy.

jtrain609 · July 6th, 2006, 20:30

I know what you're going through, bro, and it ain't easy.

I was going through the same crap myself about a year ago; spending time away from my girl all the time to take care of a bunch of commitments I had, one of those being to finish my flight training. Long story short, I saw her 3 days a month for 5 months and then spent 10 solid weeks away from her finishing my training.

In the end we split up after about 3 and a half years, just a few weeks shy of me proposing to her and moving in with her.

I don't honestly think that this career and the lifestyle that comes with it was worth that sacrafice. You've gotta make that decision about what makes you happy and what you want out of life, though. Good luck man.

Amanda · July 7th, 2006, 02:36

I've been with my boyfriend for almost 4 years. When we met he was a flight instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI) with 400 hours. I've watched his career grow and he went to the Beech 1900 as an FO, then CRJ FO, now he is an ERJ Captain getting PIC time. When we met I think he was making $15k with a HUGE loan. I've had a stable job in the finance industry for 7 years- he kids that I'm his sugar momma. FYI- I don't pay for everything!

He started in aviation in his late 20's - a complete career change. Like many of you, he has always been passionate about flying. He left a great paying job (he would be making 6 figures if he was still there) to pursue his dream. I love the fact that he has so much love of what he does, although he has some tough days. He's at a regional, and he's still struggling financially. He still has that huge loan hanging over his head.

I am lucky since he tells me I am #1 in his life, but I realize that aviation is his "mistress"! His career is important in his life but so am I. This is not an easy life for girlfriends or wives. He recently complimented me since I am very independent and I don't whine about all the time he is away and all of the holidays, birthdays, etc he has missed. Who knows, maybe I'm just used to it by now? He realizes I am special, and I feel the same about him. We know that with patience and time, everything will work out the way it should. There's no rush to get married... that will happen. He is on the East Coast and I'm here in AZ. In fact it has been over a month since we've seen each other. It's hard, but not impossible. We talk, email, text, IM, etc A LOT!

Is it all worth it? I hope so! All I know is that when he talks about flying, he gets a sparkle in his eye and a smile across his lips, and I love that! I also know how much he loves me. The sacrifices are worth it. Again, I sure as heck hope so!

It sounds like you have a good woman. Have her jump on over to Pilotfamilies.com to check it out and get support. It has helped me a lot.
Good luck wit everything!
Amanda

pilot602 · July 7th, 2006, 12:42

Quote:

I'm doing ATP's RJ course in a few months and by then I'll have over 500TT as things seem. With the RJ course I can probably get on at one of the above mentioned soon afterwards.

DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!!

You DO NOT need a RJ Type or "training" to get hired. It won't get you anywhere any faster. Just keep instructing, dogging it out and your head up. A regional job will come along, sooner than you think. But 500TT and "rj training" combined with 50 cents will get you a Coke.

Not to mention it's the airline's job (and requirement whether you do the ATP course or not) to train you ... don't do their job for them.

If you can't afford your life now how in the world can you afford MORE debt for training you don't really need?

Airdale · July 7th, 2006, 14:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilot602

DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!!

You DO NOT need a RJ Type or "training" to get hired. It won't get you anywhere any faster. Just keep instructing, dogging it out and your head up. A regional job will come along, sooner than you think. But 500TT and "rj training" combined with 50 cents will get you a Coke.

Not to mention it's the airline's job (and requirement whether you do the ATP course or not) to train you ... don't do their job for them.

If you can't afford your life now how in the world can you afford MORE debt for training you don't really need?

No the RJ course is a birthday present from my parents. Everything I have in life I've earned, my parents never really held my hand. I financed all of my flight training on my own, and my Mom and Dad said they are so proud of what I've acocmplished, that they feel like they owe it to me. I've talked about the RJ course with them, and they've offered to send me, so I'm taking them up on it.

Plus my instructor through the program despised the RJ course. He didn't like it all and refused to do it. Well he got hired at Express around 800TT and he the first thing he told me after new hire class was do the RJ course. He said three other guys had done it and they were way ahead of everyone else in the class. He told me that he didn't see a value to the RJ course until he went to new hire class. It's one thing to get an interview and get hired, its another to make it through new hire training. Doing the RJ course doesn't give you a type rating, but it familiarizes you with RJ systems, FMS and crew procedures. Something that definitely can't hurt to have under your belt prior to new hire class.

USMC-SGT · July 7th, 2006, 14:49

i am not one to stoke the fire but i can see both sides here.

I totally agree that you do not need the RJ training. Many, MANY people have passed RJ training at the regional level because they had flying experience (or at least enough to get hired and pass the interview) and most importantly they were trainable.

If you are trainable, a hard worker, know your stuff and are willing to learn you will pass the training even without the multiple thousand dollar RJ course.

In Dales defense...
If it was payed for, i would take a multi engine ultralight floatplane course if it was free. I do not get anything from my parents. Not that they are not generous it is just that i am married and have been on my own for almost 7 years now. However....if they were to for some unknown crazy reason offer to pay for any and i mean ANY training i would gladly accept, regardless.

also in Dales defense...i 100% think that you do not need a RJ course to help you pass any course but i do feel that any prior training would help you in school, just a little studying before hand. Me personally, since i would not pay for the training and it would not be free, i would just frequent this site, find out everything and anything i could about the training, talk to my friends who are RJ pilots and get all of the reading material you can. I bet with a little work you could even get all of the training materials from a previous hire to review before going and study your butt off.

In closing....others...do not pay for it,it is a waste of your money.
Dale...go for it and good luck, that is awesome that your family would offer that to you and make the best of it.

mtsu_av8er · July 7th, 2006, 17:10

Airdale, hang in there, man. Sometimes, it just gets tough. I haven't been back to Nashville in a month now, and it looks like it's going to be at least another month.

My career is pretty important to me. If the Old Lady decided that she was going to leave me because she couldn't hang with my career, however, I'd have to let her go. Not because my career is more important than her, but because I don't want a woman that wouldn't support me in my career.

That being said . . . it'll work itself out. If you really want something (aviation or otherwise), you're going to have to sacrifice. Sometimes that sacrifice comes in the form of low pay. Sometimes it's in the form of hard work For many of us, it comes in the form of being away from our loved-ones.

There are some on this forum that will tell you, "Move back home, distance is horrible, leave aviation if you must". Some will say, "I'd never put my relationship through that for a job".

Screw 'em. They're a bunch of slack jaws. These are the same people that quit when the going gets tough. Check around Jetcareers - we have no shortage of people that "went on to better things" - meaning that they were weak, couldn't hack it, and didn't have the intestinal fortitude to suck it up when the going gets tough. Don't be one of those.

Both you AND your woman can make it through this. You just have to accept that it's not always going to be easy. There is definately a light at the end of the tunnel!!!

pilot602 · July 7th, 2006, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airdale

No the RJ course is a birthday present from my parents. Everything I have in life I've earned, my parents never really held my hand. I financed all of my flight training on my own, and my Mom and Dad said they are so proud of what I've acocmplished, that they feel like they owe it to me. I've talked about the RJ course with them, and they've offered to send me, so I'm taking them up on it.

Plus my instructor through the program despised the RJ course. He didn't like it all and refused to do it. Well he got hired at Express around 800TT and he the first thing he told me after new hire class was do the RJ course. He said three other guys had done it and they were way ahead of everyone else in the class. He told me that he didn't see a value to the RJ course until he went to new hire class. It's one thing to get an interview and get hired, its another to make it through new hire training. Doing the RJ course doesn't give you a type rating, but it familiarizes you with RJ systems, FMS and crew procedures. Something that definitely can't hurt to have under your belt prior to new hire class.

The airline will teach what you need to know. Who cares if you're the top of the class or the bottom o the class? At the end of the day it's really just pass/fail. You don't get better senority if you No. 1 grade wise in class.

If your parents want to help you out, use the money to pay off some debts. You'll be MUCH better off.

And what heppens when the regional you get hired at sticks you in a turboprop?

Point is ... if you work hard and pay attention in class and aren't a raving d*****bag you'll get through new hire training.

pilot602 · July 7th, 2006, 18:58

Quote:

There is definately a light at the end of the tunnel!!!

It's a Mack truck ... but yeah, there's a "light."