Career Advice - LH or SH?
Hi everyone, just after some career advice from a mix of people with different experience as I don't know many ex or current long haul people. I know people will tell me it all depends what I want out of life and a career but at this stage I'm not sure exactly what at I want and I want to think closely about the options I am considering.
I am a current 737 FO with about 1200hrs on type, flying for J2 at a regional base. I feel well treated by the company and the lifestyle is working for me as a 20 something year old with no children yet. I will soon have the opportunity to leave if I want to, or I could stay and in 4-6 years time be looking at a command here. If I did that I'd like to look into training and various other roles in the future to keep the job interesting although I know that will add lifestyle complications too.
If I leave, the only realistic options in the UK are BA or VA. I wouldn't move to another SH operator as I'd rather stay where I am. Moving to either LH operator would probably mean living closer to Heathrow as I currently enjoy a 15 minute commute into work and a long commute could be a lifestyle issue, although I'm keen to hear the thoughts of those who work out of LHR. Another option is the ME but on the whole it seems that is not a long term career option for most. I do like the idea of seeing the world and flying the big machines but I wonder what living out a suitcase would actually be like in the long run, and how it would affect family life.
For me this boils down to, would I be missing out if I don't try to make a LH move? If so, I understand the earlier I move the better it will be eventually. Or is it a case of the grass is not always greener and a SH career, getting an early command and doing different roles after that also a good career option? I'd be grateful for views from people with either SH or LH experience and what they have gotten out of their careers.