Dispatcher - A career?

[LShaw]

Hi everyone,

I have a dilemma that I would really appreciate some advice on. I have tried and tried to get into the aviation industry and had so far been unlucky. In the mean time I have obtained a masters degree and a job in a large multi-national food company on a decent wage / good working hours / secure etc, and been doing this for 8 months. I recently speculatively applied for a Flight Dispatcher Role at MAN, which I fortunately got. Unfortunately as I’m sure you all well aware, the post is over 50% reduction in salary, part time temporary contract, with a guaranteed 25 hours a week, although the rota works out as approx 30. I see this as a "stepping stone" into aviation after a few years of doing it, am I correct in thinking this and what options may be open to me in the future?

Thanks

[jerboy]

Its a tricky one. As you've eluded to, airport work is pretty badly paid with highly antisocial hours and pretty poor working conditions. However it is a job which, if you're the right sort of person, you will enjoy and thrive in.

There are plenty of people who do the job because they've fallen into it, i.e. they got a job on check-in after leaving school, and moved into dispatch because it pays a little bit more. These are the type of people that have little interest and don't take pride in what they do. However if you actively show an interest, work hard (i.e. get them planes out on time) and don't make too many balls ups (this means asking for help when you need it). You will do well and you will be more likely to be retained for the winter or next summer.

In terms of the future, its pretty difficult to say. I'm not sure who you got the job with but I assume its a handling agent? If it is, life tends to be slightly unpredictable with airlines changing contracts and companies going bust/being taken over. This means you won't be able to say with much certainty that you will be working for the same company next year, or indeed that you will even have a job. You have to consider whether taking a 50% pay cut for this uncertainty is desirable. I bet if you put your 'sensible' hat on you know what the correct answer is right?

However, there are plenty of opportunities around. By getting a job as a dispatcher straight out (you mention no previous check in experience etc) you must have impressed someone. If you continue to do so, moves into operations depts may be in order; perhaps to handling agent ops, and then on to airfield or airline ops. From then on the skies your limit and you may end up one of them awful people in pin stripe suits running the airport/airline... But hopefully that won't be for a few years yet.

So in summary, think carefully. You will be sacrificing a secure job with a huge pay reduction. The novelty value of being 'in charge' and getting on and off planes soon wears off. Passengers/crew/other staff will talk to you like crap. You have a Masters degree; the job isn't that intellectually stimulating (no offence to dispatchers out there; I worked as a dispatcher until I attained a PhD). And also that 5th 4am start is a bit of a :mad:

But, you probably will enjoy it. Watching that plane push back on time is pretty cool. You feel like you've achieved something. On the whole, the rest of the staff are a great laugh and you look forward to going into work. There are plenty of prospects there, but you have to shine to get them. And... driving the jet bridges is fun.

Good luck!

[LShaw]

Thank you for reply its really appreciated. Yes you were right on all counts, it is with a handling agents and I have no prior experience. I would have no quarms about taking the post if there was a good chance of it leading to somewhere, however like you stated, this is very unpredictable, hence I really don't know if its worth the risk!

Thanks again

[waco]

Dont do it

Dont even think about doing it

There are jobs on the ground in aviation. There are no careers.

Have been blessed by working in the industry over 25 years but these days it is hard work with little fun and I have had to move many times and great distances to get a job with a good company.

If you have a good job already on resonable money stick with it. Save up and get a PPL. Enjoy flying as a hobby.

PM me if you want.

All the very best but think very carefully, then DONT DO IT.

[Airfrance7]

If you have a passion for Aviation then take the Dispatcher job. Believe me you will not regret it. Doing something you enjoy surely beats something you dont! If you do your best and ask for help when needed then you will be fine. Progress should not be an issue as there are jobs constantly cropping up amongst the Ground Handling Agents. The shifts are not too bad. For instance start at 4am and finish at 9am and the rest of the day to yourself. That beats 9 till 5 any day. Its a no brainer really. Live your dream and if doesnt work out then go back to what you do now. Good luck :ok:

[MSF]

Take the money every time.
Believe me, after 24 years on both flight and ground ops , NOT having to raid the penny jar is a godsend.

Twenty five years ago this was a good business to be in, but now you will find the excitement will wear off really fast.

Airlines and handling agents and even maintenance firms are in a race to the bottom (my company is about to lose most of its Russian, Philipino and Malaysian engineers back to their respective countries because they can get better money at home , and these guys are SKILLED AND QUALIFIED!).

No promotion prospects, long hours and crap money is not a smart career move.
But then , you may be sparing your current employer some future headaches if you are truly considering this move - Darwin, and all that!

[freightdoggy dog]

Don't do it LS...As previous posters have stated, its all a race to the gutter wether you get into the airline side or handling agent side. The clue is in the contract...its temporary so they can and will bin you after the Summer season.

25 years ago it was a good industry to be in, but most of the suits are now sucking it dry and the corpses are the front line staff taken for a ride because they've always wanted to work in this industry.

Even the flightdeck are getting shafted on their T+C's which is why most are off to the Middle East.

I've now moved on into the Oil/Gas/Minerals and Business Intelligence industry, which has been the best carrer move of my life. Very secure, very interesting and expanding at a rate of knots.

When you put that gallon of petroleum in your tank, smile, because you've just been scr3wed by me !!

Not bitter at all, had some good times, but reality bites and if you sign that contract, you better start looking for your next move or you'll be toast.

[aquarian]

I AM NEW TO THIS FORUM SO HELLO TO ALL , I HAV A PPL,AND I WANNA KNOW THE FUTURE PROSPECTS OF BEEN A DISPATCHER,I HAVE TO TAKE ADMISSION WHICH I AM REALLY CONFUSED WHETHER TO GO TO "EMIRATES AVIATION COLLEGE" OR "SHEFFIELDS".DO YOU GUYS SEE A FUTURE IN DISPATCHING.YOUR HELP WILL BE REALLY APPRECIATED:confused::confused::confused: