To my former brethren i proffer the following:
Firstly there is no better flying career opportunity than is offered in the military, sadly, it does end all too soon. Just make the most of it as you go, don't let the puny allowances and annoying blunts etc spoil the fun, just enjoy the time spent with SQN mates, the experiences and freedom allowed and flexibility afforded you by the organisation. Believe me, you will be living on the memories for the rest of your life.
Some guys seem to think that they'll enjoy the airline life far more, or it will be easier on the family, but this can be a false perception. Think about how many guys get divorced soon after joining an airline. I reckon its because the missus thinks everything will be different and was blaming the RAAF for all their troubles, but then found that little changed after the transition to civvy street. It can be a good move as long as you are sure that you have experienced and achieved all that you wanted from the RAAF and you have no false perceptions about airline life. For some, this will occur at the end of ROSO as they probably never really fitted in with the system, or it was obvious that their onward RAAF career was limited anyway. For most, its the tricky decision of... do I get out, or take the C17/C130J/BBJ/A330/QFI etc opportunity and stay for a few more years? True, financially it is better to get out ASAP, but did you join for the money?...I didn't and I didn't leave for the extra cash either. Money is a means to an end not a
raison d'etre, if it is for you then you're wasting your time in the flying game -become a tradesman and charge whatever you want for your services!
Bottom line is, don't leave too early and be under no illusion, airline life is not that satisfying, however it can be pleasant, even fun at times and if you're in a similar position as I was towards the end of my RAAF career, you can get your life back after having it squeezed out of you through ridiculous workloads.
How do you know it's for you? - easy, if you currently enjoy flying and socialising with workmates when downroute and think you can maintain an interested in the flying biz, then you'll be fine. If not, don't expect it all to be magically better in the airlines. Also, if you're not a SQNLDR by the end of your 2nd flying tour, are you really that interested in what the RAAF has to offer long term? Consider that you must move up to be a senior officer at some stage, which requires you to be a manager with piloting experience not the other way round.
For those who stay in to climb to the dizzying heights of Air Rank, I applaude you, you are better men than me.
