Walking away

Airdale · October 25th, 2006, 19:23

Has anyone gotten to a point, whether instructing or working for an Airline, and just decided to walk away?

If so, how did you do it and why? Does the depression go away after a few weeks?

You can read about my situation here:
http://forums.jetcareers.com/member-announcements/34386-change-of-plans-forced-hand-i-guess.html

I'm not walking away totally per say, but why do I feel like I am?

Ian J · October 25th, 2006, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airdale

Has anyone gotten to a point, whether instructing or working for an Airline, and just decided to walk away?

If so, how did you do it and why? Does the depression go away after a few weeks?

You can read about my situation here:
http://forums.jetcareers.com/showthread.php?t=34386

I'm not walking away totally per say, but why do I feel like I am?

Dude... I've read your other threads, and I have to ask: Are you SURE you want to do this? You seem to be having some serious heart-ache about this. I offer you this vignette from Army flight school...

My primary instructor was a retired army special ops pilot, who had just recently got back into flying. After the Army, he got a well-paying job at a college and taught for about 4 years. The money was great, but he found himself getting more and more depressed, for reasons he couldn't identify. His wife got so worried she sent him to therapy.

Turns out, he missed flying.

He sold his house, moved to Alabama, got the job instructing, and immediately felt better.

Just wanna make sure that sort of thing doesn't happen to you.

MQAAord · October 25th, 2006, 19:31

I've 'walked away', twice now, and never looked back. Okay, I didn't actually walk away, I got shoved out the door with AMR's foot in my hindquarters. But, it has certainly been a choice not to return to flying full-time as a F/A and not to pursue my ratings as a pilot at this time.

One thing I figured out, is that airplanes will always be there for me to fly. If/when I want to fly again, I will! No worries, no regrets. I haven't chosen everything that's happened to me over the years, but I have chosen how I've reacted to those events.

If you want to keep flying on the side, DO IT! If you want to fly professionally later on, DO IT! Life changes are always scary, but they're not always bad

Or, if you really don't want to do this flooring business thing, then don't! But do remember that airplanes will always be there.

triplec76 · October 25th, 2006, 19:33

I've thought about it before, and still would probably not ignore an enticing offer for something else. I keep thinking that this line of work is selfish of me having 2 kids that I want to have a "normal" childhood. I got totally screwed as a child, and I refuse to make their life, or my wife's, any more stressful than it has to be because of my love of flying. I just take it a day at a time, but my situation doesn't compare to yours where it is more clear what you have to do at a certain point.

One thing that made me really stop and think for a minute was the CFI that died along with the Yankees pitcher. The website set up for his memorial had him with his children and it really hit home that mine might have to grow up without me there would something happen. Most of the younger guys out there flying don't have that to think about which probably makes you a little more able to go full speed ahead without any hesitation, but my weather/safety decisions are based on something more than 1 person.

DE727UPS · October 25th, 2006, 21:47

I walked away with 2000 total and 10 multi. Had a chance to work for the FAA as a controller. Was something that always interested me. I was down on flying, at the time, and getting into ATC was a new challenge and a new career. I walked away from flying, at the time, and for my reasons at that time, without any problems at all.

badco99 · October 25th, 2006, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by MQAAord

One thing I figured out, is that airplanes will always be there for me to fly. If/when I want to fly again, I will! No worries, no regrets. I haven't chosen everything that's happened to me over the years, but I have chosen how I've reacted to those events.

If you want to keep flying on the side, DO IT! If you want to fly professionally later on, DO IT! Life changes are always scary, but they're not always bad

I think I'm feeling the same way going back to law enforcement. I still plan on flying when I can, and I may even try to pick up a CFI job on the side. And who knows, some time down the road I may get back into aviation full time. Even if I wait 10 years, I could still have 20 more flying professionally. And by then I'd probably have enough flight time so UPS won't bust my chops anymore.

sm203900 · October 25th, 2006, 23:49

I have walked away from instructing. I enjoy flying but with the turmoil and wanting to keep a stable relationship I decided expand on aviation opportunities. Decided to get my dispatch license, and went down that route. I have never looked back, I am home everynight, make a decent salary with plenty of room for growth, and still get to be involved in aviation. I do miss it now and again but always have the option to get back into it. Side note, I am a strong advocate of pilot's getting their dispatch license, it is a great safety net if you ever lose your medical.

T_Hudson · October 25th, 2006, 23:57

Ehh, post like these in themselves are depressing.. Haha.. It makes one like me.. 21, g/f of few years and the possibility of a family in the future while trying to decide what school to attend so I can fly for a career wonder if I'm doin the right thing.... Deep down, something tells me I am.. but then again, who knows. I know I've had many jobs up to this point and I have found NOTHING i absolutely love more than flying.

triplec76 · October 26th, 2006, 00:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by T_Hudson

I know I've had many jobs up to this point and I have found NOTHING i absolutely love more than flying.

I know exactly what you mean. There is nothing I love doing more than flying (I've had a gazillion jobs doing just about everything as well). I keep hearing/remembering the stories of guys saying how it ends up being just a job, which is something I really don't want to happen. I wonder if that is an airline statement, or if it holds true for corporate as well.

T_Hudson · October 26th, 2006, 00:07

Yup, I guess we are a rare breed haha... I've done alot, and find myself bored and can't keep a job for more than 3 months without bein bored and findin another. That has never been the case with flying though. Granted I have never had a "job" flying, but I know everytime I take off and hear the wind blowin by and the amazing scenery lookin out the cockpit and just the SMELL, I think how much I love flying. Its weird but that gets me everytime I take-off.

I have to have a job I actually want to go to or atleast dont mind wakin up to if I'm goin to survive at all in this world... Haha if ya know what i mean

Champcar · October 26th, 2006, 00:24

Darwin has had it in for me the past few weeks but all I think is I have nothing else that I can do with my life.

RynoB · October 26th, 2006, 00:51

I'm somewhat walking away myself, but I will still be involved in aviation. I'm leaving my job as a corporate pilot to instruct at Flight Safety. I became a pilot because I like to fly, not because I like to travel. When I was single, the traveling was just an annoyance that I could put up with in order to go fly. Now that I am married, I'm absolutely sick of the travel. That is advise I give to inexperienced pilots looking to get into the business. If you do not like to travel, then the lifestyle will not be for you. Try to get a job in which you will be satisfied with and fly on weekends.

If you like to fly and travel, then flying professionally is the best job.

C150J · October 26th, 2006, 01:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by badco99

I think I'm feeling the same way going back to law enforcement. I still plan on flying when I can, and I may even try to pick up a CFI job on the side. And who knows, some time down the road I may get back into aviation full time. Even if I wait 10 years, I could still have 20 more flying professionally. And by then I'd probably have enough flight time so UPS won't bust my chops anymore.

I often feel the same way about certain aspects of LE. Talk about a tough career to walk from. LOVE/HATE.

Stay safe,
J.

B767Driver · October 26th, 2006, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplec76

I I keep hearing/remembering the stories of guys saying how it ends up being just a job, which is something I really don't want to happen. I wonder if that is an airline statement, or if it holds true for corporate as well.

It's a personal statement. Some like aviation. Some don't but do if for the money. Some guys bust their hump and sell their soul to get into a regional and then a year later complain because scheduling is using them too much on reserve.

I've flown with hundreds of guys who've been around for a long time...and it's rare to hear "I hate this job." Sure...lot's to complain about...but at the end of the day...they still like it.

I flew 6 age sixty retirement flights over the past 3 years...and not a one of them was ready to leave. Very emotional flying that last leg of the trip. (One guy however was very matter of fact...after everyone deplaned...he simply grabbed his flight case and and went home. After 27 years of flying it was all over.)

Sprint100 · October 26th, 2006, 10:35

Sometimes you need to walk away for a breather, then it may start calling again. I walked away, it started calling me again and now I am going about it so I can really enjoy it. The breather for me was much needed

Captain_Bob · October 26th, 2006, 10:50

Family comes first... period. That in and of itself can be depressing too!

Seriously... best of luck to you. You are doing the right thing by keeping your options open. JK is a stand-up guy and will honor his word regarding going back there after you've helped your family.

So... basically... look at it as what can be a much needed break... especially during the holidays. When you go back to instructing @ the first of the year and most likely get hired by a regional in the late spring, then you'll appreciate the time you spent with family for at least one more holiday season.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Bob

triplec76 · October 26th, 2006, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by B767Driver

I've flown with hundreds of guys who've been around for a long time...and it's rare to hear "I hate this job." Sure...lot's to complain about...but at the end of the day...they still like it.

That's good to hear. Maybe sometimes I take things said here a bit too literally when normally it's an anonymous place to rant without repercussions.

C150J · October 26th, 2006, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplec76

That's good to hear. Maybe sometimes I take things said here a bit too literally when normally it's an anonymous place to rant without repercussions.

I think this is very insightful. I used to wonder about the semi-cynical comments made here about being a CFI until I became one. Also, I didn't go straight into flying after college (took a year off doing something else), and for me, it's one of those things that doesn't effect you UNTIL you walk away.

Airdale - you'll do fine. Flying will ALWAYS be here for you, and will always be part of who you are. This detour will also make flying something you can run to when you're pulling your hair out at work!!!!

J.

killbilly · October 26th, 2006, 11:31

Dave, this might be exactly what you need - to walk away for a while, catch your breath, explore the what-ifs. Give it 6 months to a year, see how you feel, see how your wife feels, and then attack the problem how you see fit. You're young - you have lots of time...don't worry about it passing you by right now.

Then, if you decide to return to flying as a full-time career goal, you can do it without looking over your shoulder, wondering if you made the right choice - you'll know, for sure, because you explored the what-ifs.

Get some clarity and perspective this way. Just remember, as I told you before, if you walk away permananently, and make that choice, don't look back. Resentment can kill you.

Tiger815 · October 26th, 2006, 11:38

Dude, I don't think you are facing a now or never situation as far as flying unless you are one of us older guys. You have in your pocket the multi time to get you onto the next rung of the ladder. Take the non-flying job and use a year or two to build your total time while you pay down debt and pocket some money from the high paying job. Try to do some PT instructing at a local FBO to minimize the out of pocket expense and maintain a claim to a"aviation employment" since some companies like to see that.

Flying will still be there and there will likely be new opportunities opening up over the next couple of years as the VLJ's come on line. There will likely be openings at the regionals as some pilots are lured away to Air Taxi carriers and/or air taxi carriers may offer a new step on the ladder roughly equal to a regional.

One last consideration is that this job may allow you to prepare financially to endure some future setbacks on the flying career path. If you stay the course there is always the possiblity of a furlough which will really hurt if you start out in debt. Having some financial cushion may allow you to stick with a lower paying flying job should you hit a snag down the road.

Good Luck!

fender_jag · October 26th, 2006, 12:43

This seems as though it were meant to happen. You can help the family business, make enough $$$ to knock down those student loans, and then (God willing) get back into flying when the time is right (for your father-in-law and you).

I like the saying "you're always right where you're supposed to be". So don't fret - things will work out.

Foxcow · October 26th, 2006, 13:11

In my opinion, helping the family should be $1 on the list. This also sounds like a good idea to get started on some of the loans. Flying will be there when you get back in a few months.

Airdale · October 27th, 2006, 11:16

Thanks for all of the replies and the advice. Its a good idea to get opinions from different aspects of flying.

I'm actually starting to feel pretty good about it. I had a day off from flying yesterday and worked on a floor and talked about the possiblities with the business. I think a break is going to be a good thing, because then my fiance and I can actually afford to do the things we want to our new house and we won't have to have a closet packed with Ramen noodles.

My instructor called me yesterday, he's been working at Expressjet since beginning of this year and he called to let me know he was going to quit soon. Said he's tired of getting stuck in nasty hotels on 4 day trips and only getting paid $300 for it. He's not married or has a girlfriend, but he's had enough of being on the road and pinching pennies. I certainly wouldn't enjoy his situation.

I've been thinking about the possibilities and I'm getting excited about the things I can do with Aviation. I've decided to head over to a local grass field and get some flying time in a PT Stearman, a J3 cub and maybe a Husky. Get my tailwheel endorsement and do some weekend flying with the wind in my face. I'd like to head over to another FBO and get some time in a Grumman Tiger, cool little airplane. And maybe fly a Cirrus around a bit. I think it could be a lot of fun to enjoy flying with no strings attached and no stress. We'll see, but I'll be posting here on how things are going. Thanks again.

wheelsup · October 27th, 2006, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airdale

I've been thinking about the possibilities and I'm getting excited about the things I can do with Aviation. I've decided to head over to a local grass field and get some flying time in a PT Stearman, a J3 cub and maybe a Husky. Get my tailwheel endorsement and do some weekend flying with the wind in my face. I'd like to head over to another FBO and get some time in a Grumman Tiger, cool little airplane. And maybe fly a Cirrus around a bit. I think it could be a lot of fun to enjoy flying with no strings attached and no stress. We'll see, but I'll be posting here on how things are going. Thanks again.

I'm jealous!

EDUC8-or · October 27th, 2006, 11:46

I think about it from time to time. Just this week I had a 14:48 hour duty day and then got Junior Manned the next day to work on my day off. Had to argue with scheduling because that would take me below the minimum days off so I could get my day off back. While in Fayetville NC I saw a guy taxiing out in his little Cub and thought to myself how much fun it would be to fly when and where you want.

I still love to fly and that's what keeps me going. I had a job in the past where I made much more and had 12 weeks off every year. I also felt like I was giving back to society in my old profession. I do think if I left I might not fly so much unless it was instructing because it's simply too expensive. I still have the illusion that I can make more one day flying VS teaching and my wife could stay home when we have kids.

I'm going to ride things out at my company and hope for an upgrade in this decade to get some PIC time to move on. I truly love to fly and I enjoy the challenges presented in the professional pilot world. I think it would be really hard to leave because this has been my dream since I was a kid.

October 25th, 2006, 19:23	#1
Airdale Old Skool Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dirty Jerzey Posts: 2,141	Walking away Has anyone gotten to a point, whether instructing or working for an Airline, and just decided to walk away? If so, how did you do it and why? Does the depression go away after a few weeks? You can read about my situation here: http://forums.jetcareers.com/member-announcements/34386-change-of-plans-forced-hand-i-guess.html I'm not walking away totally per say, but why do I feel like I am?

October 25th, 2006, 19:31	#3
MQAAord Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The Looney Bin Posts: 9,624	Re: Walking away I've 'walked away', twice now, and never looked back. Okay, I didn't actually walk away, I got shoved out the door with AMR's foot in my hindquarters. But, it has certainly been a choice not to return to flying full-time as a F/A and not to pursue my ratings as a pilot at this time. One thing I figured out, is that airplanes will always be there for me to fly. If/when I want to fly again, I will! No worries, no regrets. I haven't chosen everything that's happened to me over the years, but I have chosen how I've reacted to those events. If you want to keep flying on the side, DO IT! If you want to fly professionally later on, DO IT! Life changes are always scary, but they're not always bad Or, if you really don't want to do this flooring business thing, then don't! But do remember that airplanes will always be there. __________________ PPL SEL 100-ish TT Former AA F/A (12 months) Former Simmons/AE F/A (6 years) Former AE ground school instructor (1 year) Former AE IOE instructor (3 years) http://www.scentsy.com/ALsmith

October 25th, 2006, 19:33	#4
triplec76 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 944	Re: Walking away I've thought about it before, and still would probably not ignore an enticing offer for something else. I keep thinking that this line of work is selfish of me having 2 kids that I want to have a "normal" childhood. I got totally screwed as a child, and I refuse to make their life, or my wife's, any more stressful than it has to be because of my love of flying. I just take it a day at a time, but my situation doesn't compare to yours where it is more clear what you have to do at a certain point. One thing that made me really stop and think for a minute was the CFI that died along with the Yankees pitcher. The website set up for his memorial had him with his children and it really hit home that mine might have to grow up without me there would something happen. Most of the younger guys out there flying don't have that to think about which probably makes you a little more able to go full speed ahead without any hesitation, but my weather/safety decisions are based on something more than 1 person.

October 25th, 2006, 21:47	#5
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,577	Re: Walking away I walked away with 2000 total and 10 multi. Had a chance to work for the FAA as a controller. Was something that always interested me. I was down on flying, at the time, and getting into ATC was a new challenge and a new career. I walked away from flying, at the time, and for my reasons at that time, without any problems at all.

October 25th, 2006, 23:49	#7
sm203900 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: somwhere over the rainbow Posts: 99	Re: Walking away I have walked away from instructing. I enjoy flying but with the turmoil and wanting to keep a stable relationship I decided expand on aviation opportunities. Decided to get my dispatch license, and went down that route. I have never looked back, I am home everynight, make a decent salary with plenty of room for growth, and still get to be involved in aviation. I do miss it now and again but always have the option to get back into it. Side note, I am a strong advocate of pilot's getting their dispatch license, it is a great safety net if you ever lose your medical.

October 25th, 2006, 23:57	#8
T_Hudson Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pearl, MS Posts: 52	Re: Walking away Ehh, post like these in themselves are depressing.. Haha.. It makes one like me.. 21, g/f of few years and the possibility of a family in the future while trying to decide what school to attend so I can fly for a career wonder if I'm doin the right thing.... Deep down, something tells me I am.. but then again, who knows. I know I've had many jobs up to this point and I have found NOTHING i absolutely love more than flying. __________________ Tyler Hudson

October 26th, 2006, 00:07	#10
T_Hudson Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pearl, MS Posts: 52	Re: Walking away Yup, I guess we are a rare breed haha... I've done alot, and find myself bored and can't keep a job for more than 3 months without bein bored and findin another. That has never been the case with flying though. Granted I have never had a "job" flying, but I know everytime I take off and hear the wind blowin by and the amazing scenery lookin out the cockpit and just the SMELL, I think how much I love flying. Its weird but that gets me everytime I take-off. I have to have a job I actually want to go to or atleast dont mind wakin up to if I'm goin to survive at all in this world... Haha if ya know what i mean __________________ Tyler Hudson

October 26th, 2006, 00:24	#11
Champcar Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: KROC Posts: 2,245	Re: Walking away Darwin has had it in for me the past few weeks but all I think is I have nothing else that I can do with my life. __________________ Commercial Single/Multi Instrument IGI

October 26th, 2006, 00:51	#12
RynoB Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bixby, OK Posts: 645	Re: Walking away I'm somewhat walking away myself, but I will still be involved in aviation. I'm leaving my job as a corporate pilot to instruct at Flight Safety. I became a pilot because I like to fly, not because I like to travel. When I was single, the traveling was just an annoyance that I could put up with in order to go fly. Now that I am married, I'm absolutely sick of the travel. That is advise I give to inexperienced pilots looking to get into the business. If you do not like to travel, then the lifestyle will not be for you. Try to get a job in which you will be satisfied with and fly on weekends. If you like to fly and travel, then flying professionally is the best job. __________________ Ryan ATP (CE525, CE510, BE-300), SIC BE-400, CFI, CFII, MEI, IGI States I've landed in:

October 26th, 2006, 10:35	#15
Sprint100 Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: In my Cozy garage Posts: 6,272	Re: Walking away Sometimes you need to walk away for a breather, then it may start calling again. I walked away, it started calling me again and now I am going about it so I can really enjoy it. The breather for me was much needed __________________ Excellence is not a single act, but a habit. "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, that diminshes fear" - Rosa Parks

October 26th, 2006, 10:50	#16
Captain_Bob Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: DFW, based back in EWR, wishing I was in Maine Posts: 3,944	Re: Walking away Family comes first... period. That in and of itself can be depressing too! Seriously... best of luck to you. You are doing the right thing by keeping your options open. JK is a stand-up guy and will honor his word regarding going back there after you've helped your family. So... basically... look at it as what can be a much needed break... especially during the holidays. When you go back to instructing @ the first of the year and most likely get hired by a regional in the late spring, then you'll appreciate the time you spent with family for at least one more holiday season. Good luck, and keep us posted! Bob __________________ My head is in the clouds and my heart is still in Maine... but my devotion and love belong to my wife and children. Pics!

October 26th, 2006, 11:31	#19
killbilly Old Skool Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,262	Re: Walking away Dave, this might be exactly what you need - to walk away for a while, catch your breath, explore the what-ifs. Give it 6 months to a year, see how you feel, see how your wife feels, and then attack the problem how you see fit. You're young - you have lots of time...don't worry about it passing you by right now. Then, if you decide to return to flying as a full-time career goal, you can do it without looking over your shoulder, wondering if you made the right choice - you'll know, for sure, because you explored the what-ifs. Get some clarity and perspective this way. Just remember, as I told you before, if you walk away permananently, and make that choice, don't look back. Resentment can kill you.

October 26th, 2006, 11:38	#20
Tiger815 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Winchester, VA (OKV) Posts: 268	Re: Walking away Dude, I don't think you are facing a now or never situation as far as flying unless you are one of us older guys. You have in your pocket the multi time to get you onto the next rung of the ladder. Take the non-flying job and use a year or two to build your total time while you pay down debt and pocket some money from the high paying job. Try to do some PT instructing at a local FBO to minimize the out of pocket expense and maintain a claim to a"aviation employment" since some companies like to see that. Flying will still be there and there will likely be new opportunities opening up over the next couple of years as the VLJ's come on line. There will likely be openings at the regionals as some pilots are lured away to Air Taxi carriers and/or air taxi carriers may offer a new step on the ladder roughly equal to a regional. One last consideration is that this job may allow you to prepare financially to endure some future setbacks on the flying career path. If you stay the course there is always the possiblity of a furlough which will really hurt if you start out in debt. Having some financial cushion may allow you to stick with a lower paying flying job should you hit a snag down the road. Good Luck!

October 26th, 2006, 12:43	#21
fender_jag Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: California Posts: 1,257	Re: Walking away This seems as though it were meant to happen. You can help the family business, make enough $$$ to knock down those student loans, and then (God willing) get back into flying when the time is right (for your father-in-law and you). I like the saying "you're always right where you're supposed to be". So don't fret - things will work out. __________________ Mr. Fastfinger - Guitar shred show Prayer for Aviators Totus Tuus Ego Sum.

October 26th, 2006, 13:11	#22
Foxcow Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: St. Louis Posts: 1,114	Re: Walking away In my opinion, helping the family should be $1 on the list. This also sounds like a good idea to get started on some of the loans. Flying will be there when you get back in a few months. __________________ Downgraded...

October 27th, 2006, 11:16	#23
Airdale Old Skool Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dirty Jerzey Posts: 2,141	Re: Walking away Thanks for all of the replies and the advice. Its a good idea to get opinions from different aspects of flying. I'm actually starting to feel pretty good about it. I had a day off from flying yesterday and worked on a floor and talked about the possiblities with the business. I think a break is going to be a good thing, because then my fiance and I can actually afford to do the things we want to our new house and we won't have to have a closet packed with Ramen noodles. My instructor called me yesterday, he's been working at Expressjet since beginning of this year and he called to let me know he was going to quit soon. Said he's tired of getting stuck in nasty hotels on 4 day trips and only getting paid $300 for it. He's not married or has a girlfriend, but he's had enough of being on the road and pinching pennies. I certainly wouldn't enjoy his situation. I've been thinking about the possibilities and I'm getting excited about the things I can do with Aviation. I've decided to head over to a local grass field and get some flying time in a PT Stearman, a J3 cub and maybe a Husky. Get my tailwheel endorsement and do some weekend flying with the wind in my face. I'd like to head over to another FBO and get some time in a Grumman Tiger, cool little airplane. And maybe fly a Cirrus around a bit. I think it could be a lot of fun to enjoy flying with no strings attached and no stress. We'll see, but I'll be posting here on how things are going. Thanks again.

October 27th, 2006, 11:46	#25
EDUC8-or Old Skool Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: NC Posts: 2,332	Re: Walking away I think about it from time to time. Just this week I had a 14:48 hour duty day and then got Junior Manned the next day to work on my day off. Had to argue with scheduling because that would take me below the minimum days off so I could get my day off back. While in Fayetville NC I saw a guy taxiing out in his little Cub and thought to myself how much fun it would be to fly when and where you want. I still love to fly and that's what keeps me going. I had a job in the past where I made much more and had 12 weeks off every year. I also felt like I was giving back to society in my old profession. I do think if I left I might not fly so much unless it was instructing because it's simply too expensive. I still have the illusion that I can make more one day flying VS teaching and my wife could stay home when we have kids. I'm going to ride things out at my company and hope for an upgrade in this decade to get some PIC time to move on. I truly love to fly and I enjoy the challenges presented in the professional pilot world. I think it would be really hard to leave because this has been my dream since I was a kid.

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