A difficult career decision - advice appreciated!

[DeskPilot71]

Hi,

I currently find myself in a real dilemma and thought I might share this with you all.

I am a CPL/IR with >1000hrs tt and around 60% of that commercial ME time (tho not turbine) I have been "swimming" in a hold pool for some time now (>2 years) which has understandably been really frustrating for all the obvious reasons. During the last 2 years I have barely been flying in any commercial capacity -more just keeping current by doing the odd bit of flying here and there to remain hirable if my luck should change.

Reading the forums and keeping my finger on the pulse (including regular sending out of CV's to operators) it seems that perhaps (and I mean just perhaps) things are picking up a bit. Who knows, maybe an upturn is just around the corner and hold pools for regional and certain jet operators might just start to move? (a bit!)

Its therefore rather ironic that in the mean time I have been deskbound for an IT company, and all of a sudden they are encouraging me to take a posting that would a) pay good cash but b) probably be overseas! See the dilemma? I am totally undecided on what the heck to do. On one side I have put body and soul into aviation (and considerable cash) in the last 5 years and on another I have a potentially golden opportunity. There is probably minimal flexibility to keep flying and current when outside of the country (should a flying gig suddenly come up) To complicate matters more I have a significant other to think of so cannot just rapidly jump from one situation to another.

My gut instinct is to do whatever I have to do to NOT turn my back on flying. But its very very tough!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :ok:

[PAPI-74]

I would go with your opportunity – for the time being. Aviation, even though you have laid everything on the line, owes you nothing and is a fickle bitch (I learnt that the hard way). These airlines will screw you over the first opportunity they get. An IT company offering you a lifeline will probably appreciate what you do for them on a daily basis – an airline never will.
The holding pools are being emptied, but not at a rate worth blowing a good thing away for. And especially if it is for an airline that will charge you for a sim ride (+hotel, travel etc...).
NEVER pay for a TR, but if you really have no option, get a secure offer in writing. Airlines have been known to get pilots to pay for a TR, knowing that they were just giving their TRE’s work to keep them in check. No job was ever offered or given, and these guys paid dearly for it.
I would come back to it in 2 years when things have settled and back on the up. 1000’s are in the same boat and 1000’s have ATPL’s and a logbook full of JAR25 time who can’t get work.
Frankly, you have more chance of getting an STD from a Nun – go with the £££ and keep current for now. Maybe go instructing if you can. 6.5K well spent.

[Dakotablue]

I feel for you I really do. I'm also in the same situation (sort of). I've been waiting in a hold pool now for nearly 2 years and things do seem to be picking up (at a very slow rate mind you).

I also have a significant other, but I'm probably looking at a trial seperation soon due to the pressures of the economic downturn. I've turned down opportunities outside of aviation in the hope that the industry will pick up and I that I could get back in to flying (I've invested over 7 years in to flying now). My wife has had enough citing my need to chase a 'pipe dream'!

Now I face a new world of hurt and until you're in that very situation it's hard to imagine the emotional stress this brings on!!! I'm trying desperately to hold on to my marriage but I fear it might be too late for us.

My personal advice... go with the job that offers a concrete career for now at least. If it's IT then do it, you 'll benefit from it and keep the Mrs happy and ultimately you might not realise it now but you'll be better off for it.

Never thought I'd have to look at speaking to divorce lawyers and the sort. Been with my wife now for 14 years, totally gutted.:sad:

It's up to you....

Hope this helps in some way with your decision making.

[DeskPilot71]

Thanks to all for the responses so far. Yep its a horribly tough call IMHO. Dakotablue you have a PM.

[Cloud Bunny]

Deskpilot, as a current Airline Pilot I would have to say - go with the IT opportunity. Everytime.
I don't know if your single or if you have a family to support but either way you need to have an assured future and at the current time flying does not offer you that future. It probably never will unless you make it into a legacy or major low cost monster where job security is pretty secure (never say never).
I've never had so much fun flying light singles and twins around the UK and USA, I've never had less fun than flying a commercial airliner. When you're on the outside looking in it's all glamour and the thought of flying jets or turboprops is all consuming and you'll feel that's all there is in life!! I know - been there. It's not like that at all. Sure to begin with its amazing and you'll love it but soon those 3am alarm clock calls 5 days in a row start to take their toll, particularly when your mates in the city (in my case) are doing slightly less hours than you put in but taking home twice the money!! You realise its work to live - not the other way round.
I appreciate the dilemma you find yourself in, having put so much into the flying up to this point it's a horrible thought to let it go however if you want my advice - take the IT job, take the cash and fly for the sheer fun of it. You'll have an absolute blast and you'll never fall out of love with aviation.
Good luck in whatever way you go :ok:

[alphaadrian]

Deskpilot

If you had an offer of a great flying job or a great IT job then you would have a difficult decision on your hands....but you dont!!

You have a great IT job offer but only a slight inkling that,maybe, just possibly,in the future,if lady luck shines, that there may (or may not)be a small movement in the industry....possibly!! Im not a betting man but i know which option i would go for!!

Not sure if you are in Europe but if you are I would suspect that you would be a year or two into your IT golden job before things get noticeably better here.

I got 2400hrs of which 800 are turbine. I have sent out over 500CVs WORLDWIDE (apart from Aus/NZ) and have had 4 replies (all negative). Many of these jobs are for MEP/SEP stuff. I wish I could return to my previous profession but i cant as I would have to retrain.


Good luck whatever you choose but I would hate to see you in a years time watching your now significant other enjoying herself with her new boyfriend, whilst you are penniless and still "chasing the dream".

Alpha

[Northbeach]

Definitely go with the IT Company – no question about it. On one hand you have (the offer is tangible) a “golden opportunity” that will pay you good cash from an enterprise that recognizes your contributions and potential. On the other hand (aviation) you have nothing (no fault of your own).

What does your “significant other” council you to do? You have heard of AIDS no doubt: Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome. The industry is tough on relationships. When it’s all done and said in your life, you are likely not going to care about the hours in a logbook. Besides you are not returning your licenses. If you go down the IT route and really hate it you could come back to aviation; if the industry is growing you will find some place to start, if it is stagnant or in retrenchment you would be without a job anyway.

I hope the best for you on your decision!

[sbetts]

Go for the IT job, no question!
I was in a similar situation to you a few years ago, I decided to go back to my old (IT) career, after waiting 5 years for the industry to pick up. I now instruct part time, which satisfy's my lust to fly ! It is a huge decision to turn your back on all the dreams you have, but when you have been out of it for a while, you will probably look back and think "what the hell was I thinking" :)


Good luck whatever you decide..

[v6g]

Take the job - you won't be burning any bridges.

I was in EXACTLY the same situation a few years back. With a proper career elsewhere (and the cash it brings) you're in control of your destiny. If/when things really start to pick up getting re-currencied and IFR renewed will be quick and affordable with the IT salary.

Be careful though, you might just realize that there are better things to do with your life than flying...

[EESDL]

your optimism is laudable.....however, the flying business will still be there in years to come.
Take the IT opportunity, grab it with both hands, climb onboard and wear your shiniest spurs, hold on tight and kick hard.....
get my drift?
money spent so far has not been wasted - it's in the bank - you'll stay in the holding pool until everyone else with more experience has been used to fill whatever fickle flying jobs are out there.......

Summary

Pursue IT opportunity - keeping eyes open - and nurture network (see what I did there with IT reference?) for future use.

Hell, you might discover that you enjoy flying yourself (and other half) about the world too much to want to go and lock yourself in an alloy toilet can full of moaning drunk cargo........

There are many ways to go 'flying'

Good luck in what you decide, perhaps if you have time, you'll return to Rotorheads and update us with your progress.........so those without a marketable career to fall back on can raise a glass in your direction?

[Pilot Positive]

Not a tricky a question! A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush springs to mind. :}

You are obviously seriously considering the option, hence the thread, so it appears that you would be happy to take the opportunity regardless of the other half (sorry - but perhaps they can join you?)

Working abroad can help with personal development and add a dimension to your CV that could distinguish you from the rest when things do pick up...

GO FOR IT ! :ok:

[Piper Driver]

Being overseas can still offer you the opportunity to get a validation and still do a bit of flying, even if it is to see/experience the country you are in!!

[DeskPilot71]

Guys,

Thanks for all the really constructive and supportive responses.

I can totally see what people are saying here and indeed I agree that the opportunity (if it comes to fruition) is a really good one.

I think my dilemma is one that many commercial pilots go through, especially if you haven't been in the game for a while (thru no fault of your own) I haven't got TP or Jet time (as mentioned) but I have a fair amount of air taxi experience. Its small fry compared to jet drivers etc who have nigh on 1000's of hours and can't get hired, but I still have this blind optimism that some time at some point things will start moving and more opportunity will arise.

In the mean time I suffer the same syndrome as many others - staying current enough to get hired is quite frankly a pain. Consuming your weekends and evenings (considering the great British wx and the narrow windows we have to get some flying in) and the ongoing cost.

I have an interview next week so will know more then. Guess thats when I will make the call. My instinct tells me that I will likely be more successful (financially) outside of aviation although I have to admit even now thats not necessarily where my heart is.

Thanks once again and I hope this acts as a source of useful information / opinion for other guys in my position.

:ok:

[Otto Throttle]

Take the new opportunity, but ensure that you are completely current with your ratings before you go. That way, you can enjoy your new job (and money), without the undue worry of being ruled out of any aviation opportunity immediately on the grounds of lapsed ratings - it happens with depressing regularity. Should an aviation opportunity present itself at short notice, you are current and ready to go if need be.

Your new job will inevitably come with some time off, so use that free time to keep a low, affordable level of flying currency consistent with maintaining a life beyong work & aviation. If you are based outside of the EU OPs area, then get the lowest possible level of local authorisation to fly and get yourself some new experience. It all adds up.

At this point in your career, aviation is all about currency and commitment, but life must go on.

[pipertommy]

Same story. Had an opportunity of moving into a new career non-flying from a non flying but very unstable job recently.
This required retraining and commitment in a totally different direction after flying and working towards a commercial flying.
I feel totally gutted and nothing I can do about it, but life does go on!!
I keep my hand in on weekends instructing and hope that keeps me happy, but cant help looking at the white trails high in the sky wishing.......

[PAPI-74]

It has to change soon. We just need people signing up to PTF or SSTR.

Why aren't BALPA making sure there are fair opportunities for all pilots, not just cheap cadets - make it a % of all expereince?

Why are we all paying tax on training when not so long ago there was a great NVQ scheme that just needed changing to avoid fraud?

I know it is a free European market, but if there are UK pilots for UK bases, why take on European contractors - if there are no UK pilots fine?

[Piltdown Man]

however, the flying business will still be there in years to come.

Business might be but there won't necessarily be any jobs. And even if you did end up with a job, you'll be lucky to get a liveable wage. So I'd go for the bird in the hand rather than the two in the bush.

PM

[flyhighspeed300]

take the job that pays more money, even If it is overseas.

Reason is the aviation industry not going to take a mass of new pilots in to full time jobs within the next 2 years.

You wil earn a good wage and be able to pay for any renewals that will be needed. However on your travels you will see some great places and meet some great people.

enjoy life :)