PT,
I wholly agree with all that has been said so far. You have to really want to fly to succeed and all but a few who have succeeded have made sacrifices along the way. Unfortunately with me that included my marriage... something which I regret. I'm sure I am not alone. So make sure you have the support before embarking on a difficult path. It's costly and frustrating just obtaining the qualification. especially if you have to fit it in around professional & personal commitments. That is the easy bit. Getting a job is often tougher. I was successful on my first 2 interviews in the same month in 1999. I had job offers for a Jetstream on £18,000 gross (involving a change of location) and a Regional Jet on £31,000 (which was an increase in income and staying put). It was a difficult choice...
Sounds lucky doesn't it. What I had forgotten to mention was that I had been applying for jobs without a sniff of an interview from when I first qualified with a CPL/IR in 1989.
What did I do inbetween?
I continued with my previous career and instructed in my spare time gaining as much flying experience as I could. I persevered with applications and the end result you know.
Was it worth it?
For me yes. I realised a dream and would never have been happy if I had not been successful. I thoroughly enjoy it and would not go back to my previous occupation.
For you? Well if money is the motivation. Forget it! If flying is your passion and you have the support and commitment then 'Go for it'.
If you do go for it when it gets tough (and at some point it will) remember that 'When all else fails.. perseverence prevails'.
