Factor in that you many have to rebuild your career at some time during the future. Airline companies have a habit of going out of business occasionally.
1) from 1986, 5 years in GA.
2) 10.5 years as a FO at Ansett
3) hospital orderly for 11 months with 8500 hrs including 4500 hrs on jets. 85 resumes sent with 4 responses.the 4th one being a "yes".
4)contract FO overseas for 2 years.
5) 2.5 years as FO with a regional turbo-prop operator.
6) 2 years as a jet captain with a charter company.
7) last 4 years as a FO at Virgin.
Currently I am building my career path to being a jet captain for the 3rd time. Some have a dream run thru their career, I am not one of them. what I thought would be "reasonable career expectations" have been circumvented by economic circumstances and the seniority system. How your career will unfold is a mystery.
The only thing that you can control is how you respond to the slings and arrows of fortune. If you can be prepared to get back up the mat time and time again, maybe you'll have some good memories and stories for retirement. Remember that of the 830 pilots at Ansett, only 550 were in flying jobs 5 years later.
Best of luck, whatever you choose
