hi all
thanks again for the responses. I've been in two minds for a while, hence my post here. Unfortunately there really aren't too many people I can talk to this about if you get my meaning, and I know there would be guys in a similar boat as me. I just cracked the $160k mark at work (isn't that like B763 Capt pay?) at 32 so I'm definitely destined for financial greatness but there's nothing worse than getting up every morning to a job you hate (even if you're good at it). So thats the toss up:
1. hate job + lotsa money
or
2. love job + no money!
hell, I would give anything to fly Dash8s for Qlink. Sure its not quite a shiny new Airbus or Boeing but I guess I'd rather retire/die knowing I enjoyed my working life than to get to 65 wishing I had done something else.
I do have 2 kids and the FULL support of the Mrs (which I'm eternally thankful for) but yes I understand the risks and the hardship involved, esp in the beginning. *sigh* I'll probably look back at this point in maybe 10 years time and think A. I made the right decision or B. I made the wrong decision.
If I were you I would do my CPL and a Grade 3 instructor rating. The instructor rating you will have to do full time but I'm sure you can get annual leave to do it. I would then instruct part time weekends, in the summer after work meat bomb on weekends etc until you reach the 500 total time while keeping your 6 figure income.
If you're earning 160k it sounds like you are a trained professional with Year 12 and a degree, (unless you're a bogan digging holes on a mine, in that case Jetstar will have ya
) exactly what the big Q is after. Their minima is 500TT with a MECIR and ATPL subjects. I'd be doing that and keeping the salary until you can slot into an SO slot.
Or apply for a cadetship when it is up and running again. I'm sure you will be competitive!
keep in touch via PM when you're qualified, I have a few guy's do this and I'm sure I'll be able to or know someone who will be able to help you out when the time comes.
GG