I don't think I've said that one has to be interested in, or have a passion for, aviation, to become an ATCO. And bear in mind we're not talking about that here, we're talking about choosing between (effectively) Area or Aerodrome (+Approach), not about ATC as a whole v other careers.
I would say think about the lifestyle you want to have. Where in the country do you want to (not want to) work? Would you be happy being at a smaller unit or larger? Do you want to stay nearer to family, or move away? Do you want to have the ability to move to a non-NATS unit at some point? Do you want to aim at the highest salary bands while having little more responsibility than when first qualified, or manage other colleagues at a smaller unit after only a few years as an ATCO, but not earn quite so much? Would you be happy being in the highest-paid group of ATCOs in the UK, but actually see cost of property/living erode that in real terms below others who earn less? Lots to consider.
And an acceptable answer is 'yeah I don't mind'. At least have a think about it rather than just automatically going for the highest potential salary.
Last edited by Gonzo; 16th December 2024 at 12:38.