Decision

[rlongnt]

The regional job would provide more quality experience as a pilot, but the $35K job is more of an administrative position with a little flying on the side. Not quite what I spent 4 years training to do.

If your end goal is to fly take the one that puts you in the air. I left OU Aviation after a little more that 200 Hours so I could take a job as a Systems Admin. I probably do make more than I would have flying unless I had been picked up by a major carrier but I have regretted that decision almost every day since. What's even more ironic is for a couple of years my office at EDS/HP overlooked the runways in Tulsa. That hurt!

The job that pays 20K could really be considered continuing education you get paid a little to do. You will jump somewhere bigger from there. I don't know the details or your family dynamics but you will ultimately have to decide on your own what kind of seat you wish to occupy. Good luck.

 

[OKCShooter]

No offense, but if what I loved doing paid $20K/year I'd consider it a hobby.

No reason not to look at making a better living and then flying on the side?

Simply put, your 2 options wouldn't be the 2 options I'd limit myself to...

 

[SoonerATC]

No offense, but if what I loved doing paid $20K/year I'd consider it a hobby.

No reason not to look at making a better living and then flying on the side?

Simply put, your 2 options wouldn't be the 2 options I'd limit myself to...

It's what my experience and training is in...anything else would require returning to school. Been there, done that. Like asking a medical student doing their residency to find something else. No offense taken, though.

 

[twoguns?]

Man, thats a tough decision.
Is the "education" you need ..flying? or can you get it otherwise?
Any chances for a second job, consulting maybe, something not so physical?
I see its probably different in your field, but travelling , as much as it sucks, usually pays more.
It did however partially cost me a marriage, part was My fault.
Promises are just that , talk to the people working the other job, see if its on the up and up.
Good Luck

 

[Oklahomabassin]

To be gone all week and home only on the weekends. I know a few high school grads making nearly that per month working about 3 weeks on and a week off in the oilfield.

 

[zodiacflyer]

What is the possibility of pursuing other employment when not flying, planning, or commuting? I am working on my instrument and commercial right now, and want to get my CFI/MEII eventually. I personally would be happy with a flying job in the 20's TO START, but i would want time to pursue A&P work on the side, and I have an class A CDL for other moneymaking opportunities. I love flying, and i want to continue doing so. I don't want to put up with the BS at the regionals, and I would be perfectly happy in part 91 or 135 ops. My dream seat is a job working for an air museum, there, I could use my A&P, Pilot ratings, and maybe even my CDL, pay the bills, and fly some really cool old iron.

 

[Biggsly]

To be gone all week and home only on the weekends. I know a few high school grads making nearly that per month working about 3 weeks on and a week off in the oilfield.

This was my thoughts. I just turned down making more then that a month. If I was single, I would be all over it. But my family comes before the money.

 

[OKCShooter]

It's what my experience and training is in...anything else would require returning to school. Been there, done that. Like asking a medical student doing their residency to find something else. No offense taken, though.

There are plenty of hobbyist pilots - not sure I know of any physicians practicing Medicine for "funsies".

Not to mention, Medical School leads to a rather high income in general.

There are plenty of people with no training and no HS diploma out earning $20K/ year so don't focus on that so much.

 

[SMS]

Chase your dream now while you can. If it doesn't pan out and/or you start a family and want to be home more, you can always pull back and find a job that pays more than $20k closer to home.

Nothing says you have to stay at that regional job for 10 years. Train hard, earn a good reputation, and keep your eyes open for the next opportunity.

(I took a pay cut and left my last employer in order to be home more. I'm about to go back to that employer in a non-travel position making more than when I left...not even a year later. Things change, there are always options if you let yourself see them.)

 

[120 Acres]

If youre not happy in your current position, make a change. This one or that one, do something.

If youre happy at this job, good for you.

Good luck.