Another Pilot Hangs Up His Wings.... - Page 3

Doug Taylor · October 17th, 2006, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFT1Air

I've been happily married for the past 29 years. . .(happily?

) I love flying; I love my wife. She'd never allow me to give up what I enjoy most. . .the both of them.

Now. . .them bad a$$ kids of mine?

Aroo?! You look about 29 in your avatar!

fender_jag · October 18th, 2006, 00:12

Best of luck to the guy walking away from it all. If he changes his mind, there will be opportunities for him.

I know the value and importance of family.

Bigey · October 18th, 2006, 01:03

Well guys, his GF hasnt been with him 2 months and told him to get out. She's supported him from day one. They've been together 6 years! She was the one that encouraged him to start flying lessons and battled it out. It's not his GF, i dont believe so.

However, he apparently "left on good terms" for whatever his reasoning is. Also is staying current.

Airdale · October 18th, 2006, 01:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtrain609

You guys that are saying you shouldn't let another person decide what you should do with your career; I agree, but I will ask, what if supporting a family with that person is more important to you than flying. And let me make that point a little more clear - by saying that, you're saying A JOB is more important than A PERSON, and that to me isn't where my priorities are. To me, people, relationships and family are much more important than flying airplanes, pushing paper around a desk or doing whatever CAREER is going get in the way of your LIFE. Maybe it has to do with that whole work to live, not live to work thing, but I can't agree with you guys on this issue.

We all love to fly, but I love coming home to somebody that cares about me and wants to raise some kids with me more than I care about how I make a few bucks. Flying is a job, not some magical dream job that makes your life worth living. Flying is a heck of a lot of hard work for low pay, and while it's a real fun job, in my book it's not worth sacraficing people that are close to you for it. This job will take you in, chew you up and spit you out and not really give a #### about you. Some might say your wife would do the same thing, who knows.

But that's my take on things.

When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was fly Commercial jets. Now that I've "grown up", I feel exactly the same way you do. I sacrificed a lot of time away from home while I was in the military and even afterwards during my flight training. I'm not willing to sacrifice that time anymore. Life is short, I'd rather be there for every soccer game and dance recital then fly a commercial jet. Good post.

Maximillian_Jenius · October 18th, 2006, 01:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigey

Well guys, his GF hasnt been with him 2 months and told him to get out. She's supported him from day one. They've been together 6 years! She was the one that encouraged him to start flying lessons and battled it out. It's not his GF, i dont believe so.

However, he apparently "left on good terms" for whatever his reasoning is. Also is staying current.

I'm confused by your post. Are you saying that his girlfriend kicked him out of the house when she said "get out" or was she the one telling him to get out of aviation?

You said his girl hasn't been with him for two months so I'm guessing they broke up?

Bigey · October 18th, 2006, 01:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximillian_Jenius

I'm confused by your post. Are you saying that his girlfriend kicked him out of the house when she said "get out" or was she the one telling him to get out of aviation?

You said his girl hasn't been with him for two months so I'm guessing they broke up?

No, i'm using an example such as:

His girl didnt say "get out" after 2 months of becomming an airline pilot. She stuck around...for good.

mtsu_av8er · October 18th, 2006, 02:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtrain609

I can't believe I'm reading some of this stuff. It makes me think we've had a change in how most of the website feels about this stuff.

I'd respond, but "she" is a member now . . .

Oh, what the heck!!

I don't think anybody is saying that a job is more important than a person. However, I've always said that if she's not willing to support me in this endeaver, what else is she not going to support me in? Where we buy a home? How many children we have? What church we go to? The job just happens to be the specific issue at hand.

It's one thing for me to make a decision that I'm changing careers, because of the pressure of family commitments. It's another thing completely to be PRESSURED into changing careers by my wife. I love her to death, and want to be with her forever, but she knew what I did for a living when she said yes.

YMMV

jtrain609 · October 18th, 2006, 02:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

I'd respond, but "she" is a member now . . .

Oh, what the heck!!

I don't think anybody is saying that a job is more important than a person. However, I've always said that if she's not willing to support me in this endeaver, what else is she not going to support me in? Where we buy a home? How many children we have? What church we go to? The job just happens to be the specific issue at hand.

It's one thing for me to make a decision that I'm changing careers, because of the pressure of family commitments. It's another thing completely to be PRESSURED into changing careers by my wife. I love her to death, and want to be with her forever, but she knew what I did for a living when she said yes.

YMMV

Hey man I'm right there with you, I'm just saying if bro bailed because he decided that the chick was more important than flying FOR HIM then more power to the guy. If she was pressuring him, no questions asked she needs to get dropped like a bad habit. But that wasn't what Biggey has told us about the situation.

mtsu_av8er · October 18th, 2006, 02:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtrain609

But that wasn't what Biggey has told us about the situation.

I agree with that, but CaptainChris hinted at a little bit more, too . . . seems he's in the know. I could have mis-read it though . . . who knows.
I do see what you're saying, though!

jtrain609 · October 18th, 2006, 02:57

Ahh, gotcha. I pretty much ignore most of what he has to say.

(There, THAT should derail this thread now!)

Bigey · October 18th, 2006, 03:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtrain609

Ahh, gotcha. I pretty much ignore most of what he has to say.

(There, THAT should derail this thread now!)

Ahh comon, i'm griveing here. This is how you thank me John?!

mtsu_av8er · October 18th, 2006, 03:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtrain609

Ahh, gotcha. I pretty much ignore most of what he has to say.

LOL . . . there are a couple of folks on my ignore list!! Throws me off from time to time!!

jtrain609 · October 18th, 2006, 03:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigey

Ahh comon, i'm griveing here. This is how you thank me John?!

Naw Bigs I've got love for you and your tall self, but CaptainChris is useless to me.

Maximillian_Jenius · October 18th, 2006, 05:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtrain609

Naw Bigs I've got love for you and your tall self, but CaptainChris is useless to me.

He is my pet project JH. He is a work in progress,you have to admit that his post are far more mature now and well written as of late and he is succeeding at his goals. I had to give him a call at UND earlier this summer and tell him to get his #### together and grow the #### up!

As for the topic at hand...I have to agree with DE727 & Llyod. I have wanted to be an airline pilot my mother says since the age two. I have faultered along the way but have my ass in gear now and pushing foward on my goal of aviation.

Everyone has priorities in live mine at least right now is to sucessd at my lifes goal. If I would give it all up for someone...at this point not sure I haven't met that one person who "completes me" or has me at "hello".

But one thing is for sure compromise with a partner and pressuring one to give up their lifes goal are two different thing. If my partner were to do that I think that I would resent them in the end which would cause the relationship to end.

SteveC · October 18th, 2006, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximillian_Jenius

He is my pet project JH. He is a work in progress,you have to admit that his post are far more mature now and well written as of late and he is succeeding at his goals. I had to give him a call at UND earlier this summer and tell him to get his #### together and grow the #### up!

Lord bless ya!

skydog · October 18th, 2006, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtrain609

We all love to fly, but I love coming home to somebody that cares about me and wants to raise some kids with me more than I care about how I make a few bucks. Flying is a job, not some magical dream job that makes your life worth living. Flying is a heck of a lot of hard work for low pay, and while it's a real fun job, in my book it's not worth sacraficing people that are close to you for it. This job will take you in, chew you up and spit you out and not really give a #### about you. Some might say your wife would do the same thing, who knows.

But that's my take on things.

I have to agree with this. I have a friend who has been chasing the aviation dream for over 20 years. He got all his training done, flew for a few years, then lost his medical. After several years of knocking around doing odd jobs, he then went into dispatch. He worked at it for several years, got hired at NWA, and within a year was furloughed. He is now back, but as an assistant, and is facing several years before he can upgrade again. He is 40, single, and facing the prospect of several more years at low pay and #####ty schedule.

To each his own, but aviation isn't so much fun that I want to live a crappy life outside of work. That's the reason I got out of it.

Ian J · October 18th, 2006, 10:29

SOMEONE has to like their career in aviation! All this "getting out" stuff is depressing! Anyone out there with experience actually LIKE what they do?

killbilly · October 18th, 2006, 10:30

Giving something you love up entirely for someone else is incredibly hard (I did it) and resentment is a dangerous bedfellow to that sacrifice. If one is honest with oneself, and chooses to make the sacrifice, then one can never, never resent the other for it - it's dishonest and will ultimately lead to greater failure. Honesty with oneself and the other is key.

A whole lot of one's perspective on this comes from where they are. JT - I seem to remember a long time ago you mentioning that flying cost you a good relationship - so I can totally see your point.

There are others of us who come to it from the opposite side - not being relatively supportive of each other's careers and passions was one of the many items (it's never one thing) that killed my marriage...we never could find a middle ground on certain issues and eventually we quit trying. It was the best thing for both of us.

I'm in a relationship now where we have that middle ground - she wants to pursue a MFA degree (she's already got one MA) at some point in the future, and I still want to develop flying as a career, so we've been making plans that will accomodate both sets of goals. It may take longer, but it's really about the journey. Of course, it helps that her Dad was a CFII, too.

It really comes down to the two people involved - some people can handle a certain level of sacrifice, others cannot, and if you can meet somewhere in the middle, then you're probably going to be okay. Optimism helps a lot. We can make all the blanket statements we want, but it's safe to say that just like choosing a place to train, it depends on what's right for you.

Cazadores · October 18th, 2006, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airdale

When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was fly Commercial jets. Now that I've "grown up", I feel exactly the same way you do. I sacrificed a lot of time away from home while I was in the military and even afterwards during my flight training. I'm not willing to sacrifice that time anymore. Life is short, I'd rather be there for every soccer game and dance recital then fly a commercial jet. Good post.

Again ,I wouldn't second guess someone until I walk in their shoes, however I grew up in an airline/military aviation family and while Dad did miss a lot of soccer games, recitals and boy scout meetings while I was growing up, on the balance was going to the "office" with him for the weekend in New York or Honolulu. By the time I was 18 I had been to every continent but Antarctica, and all this was with my Dad. Trust me, great memories for all of us and truly great quality time, not just a few hours on the week nights squeezed between his commute and whatever activity I was involved in. I would say I probably spent more time with my Dad than my friends did with their Lawyer/CPA/Executive parents, and when he was home he was home, not thinking about the nonsense I have on my mind when I get home from the office these days......

Just a point of view, I know things have changed in this profession but I wouldn't have wanted to grow up any other way, even if Christmas sometimes came on the 27th!

mtsu_av8er · October 18th, 2006, 13:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Anyone out there with experience actually LIKE what they do?

I LOVE IT!!!

I wouldn't give it up for the world!!

Doug Taylor · October 18th, 2006, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

LOL . . . there are a couple of folks on my ignore list!! Throws me off from time to time!!

Lloyd, can you see this?

Just checking to see if I'm on your ignore list or not!

Mariano · October 18th, 2006, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Taylor

Aroo?! You look about 29 in your avatar!

Well, you know that them bleck folks always look younger than they really are, is in their're gones.

WestIndian425 · October 18th, 2006, 14:16

In the end, you just don't want to leave this world with the regret that you coulda shoulda woulda. I'm sticking with this cause I just love aviation and airplanes.

WestIndian425 · October 18th, 2006, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mariano

Well, you know that them bleck folks always look younger than they really are, is in their're gones.

ROFL

Maximillian_Jenius · October 18th, 2006, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

Lord bless ya!

You're welcome!

October 18th, 2006, 00:12	#52
fender_jag Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: California Posts: 1,245	Re: Another Pilot Hangs Up His Wings.... Best of luck to the guy walking away from it all. If he changes his mind, there will be opportunities for him. I know the value and importance of family. __________________ Mr. Fastfinger - Guitar shred show Prayer for Aviators

October 18th, 2006, 02:57	#60
jtrain609 Old Skool Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Park City, UT Posts: 12,100	Re: Another Pilot Hangs Up His Wings.... Ahh, gotcha. I pretty much ignore most of what he has to say. (There, THAT should derail this thread now!)

October 18th, 2006, 10:29	#67
Ian J Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 5,639 Blog Entries: 7	Re: Another Pilot Hangs Up His Wings.... SOMEONE has to like their career in aviation! All this "getting out" stuff is depressing! Anyone out there with experience actually LIKE what they do? __________________

October 18th, 2006, 10:30	#68
killbilly Old Skool Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,966	Re: Another Pilot Hangs Up His Wings.... Giving something you love up entirely for someone else is incredibly hard (I did it) and resentment is a dangerous bedfellow to that sacrifice. If one is honest with oneself, and chooses to make the sacrifice, then one can never, never resent the other for it - it's dishonest and will ultimately lead to greater failure. Honesty with oneself and the other is key. A whole lot of one's perspective on this comes from where they are. JT - I seem to remember a long time ago you mentioning that flying cost you a good relationship - so I can totally see your point. There are others of us who come to it from the opposite side - not being relatively supportive of each other's careers and passions was one of the many items (it's never one thing) that killed my marriage...we never could find a middle ground on certain issues and eventually we quit trying. It was the best thing for both of us. I'm in a relationship now where we have that middle ground - she wants to pursue a MFA degree (she's already got one MA) at some point in the future, and I still want to develop flying as a career, so we've been making plans that will accomodate both sets of goals. It may take longer, but it's really about the journey. Of course, it helps that her Dad was a CFII, too. It really comes down to the two people involved - some people can handle a certain level of sacrifice, others cannot, and if you can meet somewhere in the middle, then you're probably going to be okay. Optimism helps a lot. We can make all the blanket statements we want, but it's safe to say that just like choosing a place to train, it depends on what's right for you.

October 18th, 2006, 14:16	#73
WestIndian425 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: KEWR (by way of Brooklyn, NY) Posts: 916	Re: Another Pilot Hangs Up His Wings.... In the end, you just don't want to leave this world with the regret that you coulda shoulda woulda. I'm sticking with this cause I just love aviation and airplanes. __________________ God did not create aircraft pilots to be on the ground.