2rmatoyot

Hi everyone.

Just thought I'd drop a note to say hello.

I have just had an email saying that I have been accepted to the 1st round of tests to becoming a Trainee ATCO and I am really looking forward it.

A couple of close family members have been very discouraging towards this job saying stuff like...it's really stressfull or many air traffic controllers have breakdowns etc.

Being a person that takes views of his family etc seriously It has put doubt in my mind.

I am newly married and will hopefully be thinking of having family soon, within the next 2-3 years. Can anyone advise on how family life fits in with me being an ATCO? Is there paternity leave etc?

I hope someone can answer my questions and hopefully say something that can put my familys comments out of my head.

Many thanks

2rmatoyot

Quincy M.E.

I could be wrong but I thought that all employers are obliged to give paternity leave.

trafficcontrol

I could think of more stressful jobs than ATC.... how bout a secondary school teacher, now just coming out of school myself, i have seen many teachers "dissapear" from breakdowns etc.... the youth embarrasses me..

I think its just a matter of opinion, there is no doubt what so ever that ATC is stressful and demanding, but arn't most jobs stressful nowadays?

When is your stage 1? mine is on the 24th of July in London!

Don't give up.. ATC is fantastic very rewarding i think personally.

Sam
TC

BigBoeing

To be honest they couldnt be more wrong, thats most peoples knee jerk reaction, stressful etc etc. I couldn't think of a job I'd rather do. We get paid extremely well, get loads of time off, loads of leave. Yes the job CAN be stressful, but even when it is its something you get immense satisfaction out of. Plus its a total different kind of stress to most other jobs, we unplug, leave the building and thats that. No worrying about work, taking work home with you etc. Hope this helps and good luck.

Gonzo

I don't get very stressed at work, but I do find myself running around with Y-fronts on my head, pencils stuck up my nostrils and repeating the word 'wibble' over and over on my days off........

high-hopes

I will tell you about it soon as I am about to make the happy change from education to ATC
Money isn't everything but getting twice the salary of a secondary teacher (starting 19k then 23k) sure could justify a bit of stress.
Teaching is hard work because you have to deal with very mixed and unbalanced levels of ability, behaviour and interest. And the only tools that can deal with it seem to be classified as non-PC or discriminating...

Imagine the College of ATC where trainees aren't selected, it's open to everyone and you can't get rid of the ones that don't perform or don't achieve, or aren't even interested !

(I expect some obvious replies to that )

good luck

fly bhoy

I'm sure i've seen you doing that in work as well though mate?!?!?

FB

Gonzo

There was a time, a few years ago, when I used to do that after training someone...............

fly bhoy

I know but at least kaz made it in the end!!!!!!!!!

FB

Ppdude

Just a word of friendly advice. I would think very very strongly about having a child at the same time as being at the college. Unless you have a wealth of financial and family support.

You will also need your sleep, especially before exams

2rmatoyot

WOW people... (hope thats the right smiley!!!)

Many thanks to you all for your words. I had a nice long think at work in my dead end job todayand have definately decided to go for the ATCO job.

I'm usually quite a calm and level headed person and can deal with stress reasonably easily. Wouldn't be planning kiddies while at training stages. Would wait till earning a good salary, just hope the wife doesn't mind waiting a bit longer!!!

My first round is in Glasgow on Friday 27th July in the afternoon. I have just bought the new Brain Training game for my DS to, hopefully, help with the preperation for the tests!!!

Many thanks again and speak soon.