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Old 7th Aug 2020, 10:33
  #239 (permalink)  
PilotLZ
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Europe
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I remain a firm advocate of the concept that you should get your backup qualification before you start flying. In an ideal world, you should also get a year or two of experience in the field. And one of the purposes this serves is that thus you will have a working knowledge of what a "real" job is like and you will have a more realistic view on the pros and cons of commercial flying. Many of those who have done nothing else other than flying have a very marginal understanding of what working life outside of the flight deck is like. And this often fills them with frustration with their "low salaries", "long hours" and "modern slavery". While, if you actually have something to compare flying to, it won't take you long to understand that, even after the COVID-19 salary reductions, it's quite well paid and, in addition, you get to work with many quality people and enjoy a decent amount of time off.

Of course, this still doesn't mean that it has to be appealing for everyone. Just as any other career. So, if you want to walk away simply because it's not your cup of tea - by all means do. But, if you think that by changing careers you will significantly improve your income and lifestyle, this might not be the case. At least not for many years from now, until you become the experienced and established professional who can expect anything close to the dreaded, "poverty-range" 70K Captain salary.
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