Pilot or Office Job
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2026
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 1
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From: London
Pilot or Office Job
I'm interested in hearing from people who went from one to the other (either way) why they chose their path and what regrets do you have (if any).
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 7
From: Florida Ex Cardiff
After a 12 year career in the financial sector I took the gamble 36 years ago to quit my job, sell my house and attend flight school in the USA. Although the first 5 or 6 years after obtaining my Commercial ratings was a tough period, very few job openings, I eventually had a rewarding career that lasted until I retired two years ago. I was fortunate to work my whole aviation career for one employer in a job that took me all over the world and was well paid and I got to fly great equipment.
No regrets. Compared to the stress of the financial sector flying for a living was a breeze.
No regrets. Compared to the stress of the financial sector flying for a living was a breeze.
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Sweden
Do it!
What are you considering, which direction? I left a lucrative office career for flight school at 35 years old. I flew for several years with a PPL before making the jump. After finishing flight school during COVID (2020), I worked an office job for two years before finally landing a flying job. While the job itself is less stressful, the lifestyle is demanding and hard. The barriers to entry for an airline pilot are high, but once you break through, finish the type rating, and complete LIFUS, it's worth it.
Regrets? Every career has pros and cons.
Regrets? Every career has pros and cons.
