I quit the airlines 

You make some good points. This industry isn’t for everyone, but I’ve been very happy commuting and flying a 777 for the past 10 years. Yes, I’ve missed some family events and spend 12 days/month sleeping in a hotel. But, I’m also home 24/7 for the remaining 18 days - with no job-related responsibilities, stress, office cubicle politics, or the need to schmooze my boss to get the next promotion. Heck, I’ve never even met my boss. I go to work with some great people, do my job (which is flying a really cool jet all over the world), then go home to spend time with the fam. I’m compensated very well so my wife doesn’t NEED to work (she chooses to do volunteer work for her own fulfillment). I can afford to send my kids to private universities and own my own airplane. Yes, this industry can suck when you are starting out and are junior. I played the long game and it has worked out for me. Cheers.

I'm a senior captain at a global airline (former USAF). This is a great video and spot on. One thing missing: Flying is not a job. It's a passion. People become pilots because they love to fly, money being secondary. Nearly all of such people develop a love of aviation when they are kids, building and flying models, learning the science and reading about aviation history. They already know they'll be pilots. At age 15 I could spin an E6B as well as any pilot. If you don't have this passion, it's a tough way of life initially as you go through the training and building experience in the military, or instructing and commuter/regional airlines. If you have the passion, you'll still enjoy it because.....it's what you love. If you want to become an airline pilot just because "it's a good job" and the pay is good (at some point), it's easier to just become a doctor or lawyer, and you can be home with the family a lot more. So, if you love flying, go for it. There's never been a better time. Regionals are boosting their pay pates and work rules. If one had to stay at SkyWest their whole career, it would still be a great career if you live near your base airport (within easy driving range). Commuting is something you may have to do initially. When you get hired, the airline will put you where they need you. Then you can bid to your base/plane of choice, easier now with all the movement. Long term, wide body In'tl FO is great. Days worked/pay ratio is great. Meaning that you're close to narrow body captains pay while working a lot less days. No wonder that 777/787 FO is senior to 737 captain. Pretty nice working 3 trips per month (9-12 days per month. 6-8 nights per month away from home), easy even if you're commuting. Think long term. As for me, I've loved every minute of it. I was single in the Air Force (a good thing, or I'd probably be divorced). I live an hour's drive from LAX. Wife doesn't work (well, she runs her own business out of the house). You can probably get based where you live although it might mean delaying capt upgrade till you can get it at your base. If you're a wide body FO, you'll probably just stay put and wait till you can hold that as captain, and enjoy family life. But you'll save days away from home by not commuting and some stress. Our airline (and probably others) have a commuter policy: if you can't get on your commuter flight, or one backup flight, you can call crew sched and invoke the policy (of not having to fly the trip). You won't get paid for the trip, but you can always pick up another trip. Regarding the author of the video and commuting from Atlanta to Chicago, it probably sucks. But I'm assuming he wasn't going to spend an entire career at SkyWest. I'm assuming flying for Delta out of Atlanta at some point is the goal (achievable sooner rather than later). OK, 3 years (for example) at a young age seems like eternity. But 3 years of commuting followed by a 35 year career in base with a global airline is like winning the lottery (again, assuming you love flying). But with a working wife, who at that particular time probably makes the bigger paycheck, kids, the grief of commuting, and perhaps no particular love for flying, I can see that one might quit.....if another lucrative and local job offer came along that might pay $200K per year near term and $400K per year (in present day dollars) down the road. Not sure the top story of that nearby building pays that kind of money without taking job stress and work home with you. As an airline pilot, at the end of the trip, you set the brakes and you're done till the next trip. Enjoy your unencumbered time at home. Look at the big picture down the road. Hope this helps. Best of luck in all your endeavors.

I flew 121 for almost 15 years before I left. Part 91 is where it’s at! It actually feels like back in the day when we were hanger rats. Going to FBO’s at smaller airports is actually enjoyable and they treat you great. Best of luck on your new gig!

I am a wide-body Captain at a major airline and started in the regionals, based in Vermont. I moved across the country at age 23 for that first airline job at a whopping $10k per year. Loved every minute of it. Living in ski country and home every night. Bottom line is, you've got to have the pasdion for flying-it's not for everyone. That is the first and only question i ask any young person that i mentor. There are ways you can mitigate the downside stress: do not commute, marry someone who understands the business and stay senior. Most pilots that i know who were furlioughed couldn't wait to return to flying after working a desk job. Wide-body flying at a full schedule can be as few as 9 days per month. My quality of life beats most all of my friends in the corporate world. Anyone who is successful in the business world and fortunate enough to support a family in style has a ton of stress and pressure with hiring/firing, sales goals, deadlines and so on. I see many folks in my neighborhood getting on the train at 6am to the city and returning home by 6 or 7pm only to do more work from home-not fun! I have been able to start and run a successful real estate investment business for the past 24 years, which I would never be able to have done working a 9 to 5 job. One thing I will add for those who make it to the majors, you can drop trips and work part-time and still make more than the average working person. You simply have to have the passion for the job and if not, then this life is not for you.

Excellent story telling, video content, editing and on camera presentation!!! Keep it up!!! And be patient - you’re doing everything necessary to grow your numbers

Something that my wife and I do- every couple months we have a very intentional “check in” with each other to discuss if aviation is changing or hindering our relationship in any way and how to fix or mitigate it. Family is our number one priority. Awesome video, thanks for posting.

We'll miss you here at SkyWest! I'm glad you took the jump to do what's best for your family. For me, the airlines are the most amazing career on earth, but depending on the situation they can absolutely suck...

I hope that this doesn’t discourage young pilots. It has been a great career for me. I had to commute for 2 years it wasn’t too bad. It eventually gets way better so hang in there.

Your production quality is amazing and you seem very genuine and smart please keep up the same energy, it’s a pleasure to witness the channel grow

This helps a ton! I’m in college right now working towards becoming a commercial pilot. I’ve always wondered what it’s like being a pilot and having a family, so this video answered a ton of my questions. Thanks!

I'm a 747 pilot for a cargo airline with a wife and kids and am giving serious consideration to quitting and doing something else, but being >40, it's not easy to think about.. Trying to get on with Allegiant as I live close to one of their bases and being able to be home every night is very appealing. I have my own airplane so I don't need the airlines to fulfill my love for flying.

I have so much respect for you. You put your family first, which is more than most people in 2022 would do. I wish you the best of luck in the future. I would never stop flying. But then again, I’m single with no kids. So take that with a grain of salt. I do feel that if you stuck it out that things would’ve gotten more effortless for you and your family as you progressed. Especially, once you made it to the majors.

Another awesome video by Dan! Great content and production

Your honesty and quality of video earned you a sub! Awesome stuff

Really opened my eyes especially in regards to commuting. Thank you for this great video.

Hahaha, I loved the cliche questions bit. Great video. Family is all you have at the end of the day. Just stumbled on your channel and you seem really relatable. Keep working on your channel! Looking forward to more content.

Just came across your channel cuz I'm working on my instrument (and the algorithm is godly), and this was a really well edited video! Thanks for being honest, it helps offer another perspective to prospective pilots like myself!

Nice video. As a retiring military guy with 4 kids I relate to your closing... :D I'm grateful that this is a time of hiring in the industry.

Love this video. Seems super honest/realistic about both pros and cons of airlines

im hooked. im in flight school right now and these videos are helpful for understanding what a life at the airlines might be like.

Awesome. No one perfect route in this industry and who knows what’s in your future. Best of luck, keep it up!

Currently in indoc for a regional. Please make more “pilot life tip videos” love the packing tips. I’d definitely watch more content especially tips on bidding or commuting or managing fitness while on the road.

Thanks for the video man, it's good to hear the cons of the job as well to have the whole pannel of opinions.

I was a commuter for ten years and have been out of the industry for 17 years, I still have dreams of being late for a trip, missing my flight, not know what my off days are or cannot find my trip schedule. Even though I never missed a trip it was always my worst nightmare.

I went through the same struggle. Just couldn't take it anymore. Luckily for me, I found Allegiant, and can now still fly in the airlines, and be home mostly every night.... quite the game changer for me. Good job making the best decision for your family. Some people's ego wont let them make that choice, and they end up losing their family instead. Good luck

"Have you considered, maybe you're stupid" 🤣 Bought spit my milk up.

Insanely informational video. I'm a flight student figuring out how I'm gonna balance work and family as an airline pilot. I needed to see a video like this.

Thanks for the video, really enjoyed that. That cliffhanger, lol. I think I’ll have to stick around and see what’s next. I retire from my first career as a police officer in about three years and I’m planning on the airlines for my next gig. It’s going to be an interesting journey.

Thanks brother for your wisdom 🙏

Thanks for the insights to that job! I’ve just career changed into an entry level /scenic flight operator and considering future steps! Cheers from Australia

My Respects for You. I work flying the ATR 600 and live 10 minutes from the airport. Haven't gone to the majors since "Quality" of life is very important for me. Did commute for a short while and I was "Miserable" literally. Being home most of the time is gold for me to spent time with a growing child and the Family.

Great video. You answered so mamy of my questions. I appreciate it.

So did I....23yrs and after being home for an extended period of time....shifted my perspective.....Agreed on SkyWest...did 2 tours there...Good adventures ahead for you...Cheers..

Hats off to you for knowing what best for your family.

I'm a CFI right now looking to work at Skywest. I would say I fit on the Level 1 or maybe 2 right now so I'm in a pretty good spot to enter. My plan is to live on base as quickly as I can, preferably next to a metro station to save money. Having commuted for my CFI job, and realizing how even a 1 hour commute can eat up your day, I want to avoid it as much as I can. Hopefully after a couple years I'll be able to move to a small town and do some Fixed wing Air Med flying where I can maybe spend some more time at home?

Well made and spot on video. I was very curious how airline life was going to treat you. I managed to get regional life over with before I got married.

It’s all about what you love and want in life. I think you did great analysis and everything you said makes sense for you. I know life can suck Junior airline pilots but once you have seniority it gets way better.

This is 💯 on point. I had to let my idea of being a pilot go once my 3 kids were diagnosed with ASD, while mild, it made it impossible, unless I wanted to abandon my family.

I left the regionals 2 years ago…best decision I ever made….found a corporate gig…home almost every night and making quadruple.

I started at Infinity(and MCCC) and got my Private cert there. Left after that and just recently restarted after a year and a half off the horse. And Cliffhangers a great classic movie 👏

I’m an AA guy commuting from ATL to MIA. I hate commuting, we’re moving closer to base in the next coming months just to have more schedule control. The nice thing is we can reserve our jumpseats a week ahead. But uncertainty like delays, cancellations and schedule cuts makes commuting a nightmare. I would recommend flexjet, Netjets for positive space to work. Less stress. I did acmi for almost a decade and it was nice having a ticket to and from work.

I really understand you, it requires to be brave to take that kind of decision. 👏🏼👏🏼

Great video shots and narration!

Love the honestly and realistic feedback of yours, this will certainly help people get into airline industry knowing ahead of time the hardship they’ll face. I wonder if corporate or private jet pilot will have a better work life balance over non-senior pilots at an airline?

My flight instructor, young guy also quit United this happened several years ago. He now flys mostly rich people around

I used Infinity for my multi engine, commercial and multi engine instructor under part 61. My MEI at that time is now considered one of my best friends. Now I’m a CFI at MJX where I got all of my other ratings. Luckily, in my case, the difficulty scale is much lower transitioning to the 121/135 world. Glad you made the right choice for you and your family

Good luck as a Stallon wherever that may be. And whoever you’re working for.😊

Great video, I'm considering making the switch to part 121 as an new empty nester.

Love the video! Keep up the good work

That last part though..... lol.... you just gained a subscriber with that suspense by the way

Kudos to you for quitting the airline world! I would recommend looking for a good Part 91 job, although they are typically hard to find, but with the current pilot situation, there are some out there. It allows you to have a somewhat normal life and still be in the air, without the hassles of commuting, going through TSA, making multiple legs in one day, etc. The equipment is great, hotels and meals are way better than in the 121 world, and you actually get to explore the destinations you fly to. I’ve been extremely lucky to not have to do the airline thing and build my career running the flight department for an outstanding company. Good luck to you!

The legacy pilots who flew in the 60s and 70s and 80s when their wives mostly stayed home had it the best.

Thank you very much for making this video. I am 34 and currently in flight school (finishing up instrument) while making a career change. My wife works full-time as a nurse and we have two kids (1 and 3), and I work part-time at my current employer. We are planning to move closer to my parents for support, and have long decided that I will only look at regional airlines with local bases, which is about 3 at PHL. I am really hoping that this whole thing works out.

I was a flight attendant for skywest too. I recently quit too, lol… Same reason, my daughter started school and home is where I needed to be.

My brother flew for Compass before graduating to Atlas in the 747. They're treating him very well and he's got a great schedule.

I like your graph. Sums up why my commute is to a bedroom/office for now. Most regional pilot videos are all about how amazing it is which I’m sure is true when you’re at a 1-3 and 23. When you’re family life (for whatever reason) is already around 6-8 working from home, going to a regional would make your life an 11. :) Thanks for sharing.

That was fun to watch actually. Subscribed.

Pretty much my favorite RU-vidr. Nice job.

Thanks for the video. I've appreciated your insights on IFG and now your honesty on what works for you and your family.

I am 24 and entering the pilot workforce. I appreciate this on many levels. best wishes and thx for this video

Good video. I would agree with your graph. I am one who wanted to be a pilot when it cost less than $1,000 but I did not have that kind of money. I know flying is a passion as is obvious by you getting back into it. Good luck.

Thanks for sharing your story, My situation is a little similar ,I’m married + 4 kids , I made it to CFI, 500+ hrs , I don’t see myself continuing, as you say, too many tears , Not easy. May you have lots of success in your new job. Are you planning to fly again?

#facts brother. I was with Republic Airways and had several family issues occur all at one time. It really tested my mental and physical capabilities with being a commuter pilot. Very stressful. Family to me is more important than any job. I decided to leave for almost the same reasons as you did. I have twins coming some time in December, boy and a girl.

Great video. I (personally) don't know how anyone with a family, who values their time and those precious moments of life, could do the job easily. That being said I'm in my late 30s and absolutely loving my regional gig. You could always go back later in life when the kids are grown (if you want)! Best wishes

Love the transition

I left the corporate life for flying over the covid debacle. Having experienced the military and its deployments, the office life (with all of the BS that entails) and now flying part 121 (at a VERY similar airline :) ) I have seen a dramatic improvement in ME and my enjoyment of life. I am a better father and husband now after the switch back to flying. I was out of the seat for over 13 years before trying to go into 121 flying and did a lot of research and networking prior to. One cardinal rule I learned along the way was this; You NEVER want to live out of base and commute. I've even heard pilots say they'd work at the worst airline in the world if it was the only place they could fly and live in base. I know it was tough for the author here and empathize for him. I'm assuming he considered a company that is based in ATL and somehow that didn't work out for whatever reason. It's too bad b/c it sounds like this guy likes to fly. I am married to a woman that works part time (she stopped working after we had kids while I was in the military), my kids are all in school and I love the varied schedule every month. We all find it an adventure and it keeps things from being the "same ole". Man, I hated the drive to work and the same office crap all day everyday. I love doing 4 day trips so I don't have that drive to and from everyday. I DONT commute to another base... so far. I am lucky and the author is right, what a time to be a pilot! Tomorrow is my one year anniversary at my airline and I never had to commute to another base, only had reserve for two months, and I just bid 45% for November and think I might be at around 35% for December. We also just got a huge pay raise, so no more anxiety about getting to a mainline carrier just to make the budget work. Wow, I wrote too much here but if you're still reading hopefully you got something out of it. Hit me up if you want to ask more! good luck to all the up and coming pilots out there! Good video, but I wanted more about exactly what he switched to. I guess some ppl like the office life?

Good video! Lots to think about!

This is so on point I'm saving it to my playlist. As a .mil pilot with now a working nurse spouse (mine is trauma unit staff nurse) and a 4th grader at home, this is why I stayed in the AF Reserves. Granted, airline flying was never my cup of tea (flying transport cat/heavies bored me to tears, glad to have jumped to fighter trainers, flying bombers almost made me quit flying professionally altogether), but the work schedules of my airline peers just became a non-starter. And we don't have family in the state where I'm stationed, so double whammy. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and two working parents without outside help just didn't cut it. Most of my airline peers are to a man, married to stay at home wives that are expected to keep the exigencies of the home front away from the FOV of the airline pilot husband. I find that a bit too june cleaver for our taste, but whatever to each their own if they're making that choice out of their own volition. My wife told me, to quote homey the clown from in living color: "homey don' play dat." Roger that, copy all, no stay at home de facto single motherhood scheme. So, we deal with my non-deployed training command schedules that are much more homestead friendly, and make lemonade. Being gone from the local area with her work impositions (back of the clock shifts with nobody to pick up the kid or be in the house overnight) was not gonna work. The other alternative would have been clinic work that's 9-5 for her, but she wanted to be in the hospital setting. As someone who was allowed to pursue his career goals, I'd be a raging hypocrite to tell her off the gate, no you don't get to pursue your career aspirations like I was allowed to. So I compromised my ability to go chase an F-16 around the Country for the allowance of still contributing to the fight in a training capacity, and supporting my family's domestic demands. I commend you for doing the same, it's an oft-derided position by the youtube sphere that demands only positive, choice-supportive biased presentation of occupational choices like airline work. Good luck and health to you and your family on the next chapter!

Good for you, quality of life is much more important than money. I left SkyWest after INDOC once I realized how bad commuting was going to be. At 55 it wasn't worth getting beat up for 10 years and then aging out. I wish would have come across your videos sooner.

Great video...Thanks..for those passionate about aviation and quality of life remember there is collegiate flight training! It can be a career choice.

Had to subscribe after that cliffhanger 😂

Absolutely top video. Few people talk about the commuting. I think they consider it to be something of admitting failure, in that they never really looked into the commuting aspect. Being a professional pilot is a lifestyle, not just a job. It simply may not fit your home life; it's no ones fault, it's just how the industy is; not going to change any time soon! It's the same in any of the "romance" professions; acting is a good example. People may have a passion for it, but that doesn't mean a certain aspect of it is for you. There are other ways to fly. People go blind for the airlines, with visions of cool large airplanes, and jetting around the world, but never really look at the whole package. Know what you're getting into, it doesn't suit everyone, no shame in that. Keep the faith! Happy landings!

Lovely video I wish you the best of luck, and I should say I enjoyed the music and it didn’t bother me.

I currently work for your previous employer, and yeah...commuting is horrible. I thankfully live in one of their bases, and transferred to my home base next month. If i had a family, I don't know if I could do it either. It's hard to pass up their pay now, but I currently commute on a 3 hour flight from the midwest to west coast. I commute the night before to reserve every week, never get called, so I sit in the airport all day, and I spend over $1000 a month on hotels. If you don't live in an airline base and have no intention of moving, I can't really recommend becoming an airline pilot. It is so stressful, you are always thinking about going to work from the moment you get home.

This is great insight as a guy who want to go to the airlines

I am headed to class for SkyWest in January! But I’m hoping to get DTW as my base and it seems very likely I’ll get that! I’m excited to start!

Great quality videos Dan. excellent delivery and entertaining. You remind me a bit of Destin at Smarter Every Day. Cheers brother 😎

Your 4 minute commute to work hit me hard! I live in a little town next to the bike trail and dream about riding my bike to work. I used to commute Florida to EWR. I actually got used to the anxiety that you talk about. Basically, it just got to the point that if I didn't make then F it. I literally stopped caring if I made it to work or not. Thanks for the video. It's very relevant to the current pilot shortage really.

your current commute is awesome

Being a pilot is tough. This video motivating me working hard

A class act, this is high quality

Feel the pain. I'm been commuting forever!!! At least you were making a decent check. Cause when I was doing it, I could barely afford 2 of those bikes in your garage. The regionals are paying SOOOOO much more than I ever got.

I'm with you, man. I flew for Envoy for a very short time before I realized it wasn't for me. Nothing at all against the company. I was living in Austin, TX and flying out of LGA/JFK. Very little time at home with my wife and kids. For us, it wasn't the logistics of it. It was just the separation. Best of luck to you.

I spent six years at a Pt. 135 airline flying Caravans single-pilot. Dream job for me. Lots of yanking and banking, flying into cool airports, many short legs every day and home every night for dinner. Low and slow is the way to go!

Hey man, I’ve never seen any of your videos before…. But this one popped up. Great explanation and descriptions. Have you considered working with us at Allegiant? No overnights. I’ve found AAY to be the antidote to the very same issues you described in the video.

This is the first video I’ve watched on your channel and I’m instantly liked and subscribed 4 minutes in! I only have a Single Engine PPL, but work in the Aviation Industry as a Simulator Technician. All these reasons and more are why I don’t just go to a school like ATP and finish up my ratings. I’m somewhat newly married and want to start a family soon. On top of going into debt to even get my ratings, the airline industry lifestyle isn’t for me. Being home almost every night is a must for me.

My motto has always been family comes first. A job (and lets face it that's all that being a pilot is) can be replaced but missing time away from family can never be made up.

I like the road bike. Very nice.

Congratulations! Make more videos of your new adventure.

You just popped up on my feed so congrats on a viral video !! New FA subbie here !! I thought Regional is paying the big bucks right now though ? Like 400.00 per flight hour so I’ve heard ? Lol ok lemme finish watching the video

Great editing. Good info. Good luck on the new gigs and other new gigs. Soooooo Whats on the 3rd floor?

Thanks for sharing this efficient video I have learned alot

Thanks for the update

It is definitely a lifestyle for sure. Imagine how difficult it is for the flight attendants too, who face the same struggles, but with a looooot less pay. It becomes not worth it quickly. Seniority really is everything, and if you are at a point in your life where you can stick it out until you can build the seniority, this industry can become more rewarding. Thankfully, I started with my airline (as a flight attendant) at age 23, single with no kids, and now I am pursuing a pilot's license with a goal to move to the front of the plane. I will most likely end up on the bottom of the seniority list again when I do make that transition, but I will have a more realistic expectation of what those beginning years will be like. (Not gonna lie, I really struggled in the beginning, was really stressed out, sleep deprived, and had some unhealthy coping mechanisms that first year). I also do not intend to have children, which will make it so much easier than those who do have children. Thank you for sharing your perspective and experience. I think you made a great decision for yourself by choosing to spend quality time with your family! Also, the part where you mention the 'cliche' things pilots say about commuting LOL The flight attendant work group at my airline has such a tension between commuters and non-commuters too. The commuters are begging for a better commuting policy since positive space ended, but a lot of non-commuters are against that because they say that it is 'unfair' that the commuters get a benefit that non-commuters can't use. It's really such a selfish argument but there exists that schism... They say the same things: commuting is a choice, you should move to base if it's such a problem for you. Not considering any other obligations the commuting FA might have.. Kind of sad, really. I used to commute (LAX-MSP) but don't anymore, so I understand the struggle, and even if a better commuting policy won't benefit me, I can't imagine why I would want to deprive my colleagues of that.

Great video. I’ve been an airline pilot for 25 years….through 9/11 and other downturns. Hasn’t been easy with a working spouse but we only had one child which made it easier.

Keep Climbing, baby!!!

Excellent video BTW. Subbed.

Proud of you for putting family first

I quit the regional airlines as well 10 years ago, worked as Chief Instructor making very good money in Stuart FL. Now I’m heading back to 121. If you want to move to FL let me know I can can get you a 9-5 job flying.

Very good video, you stated facts and how they affected your situation which is very important to note. I have been flying since 2017 and finally meet ATP minimum requirements. I want to fly for the airlines, it has been my dream since I was 5 but life happened and I was not able to learn to fly until I was 40! I am 48, married for 25, 2 kids ages 17 & 22 and my wife works PT...so my situation is a bit different but still about a 3-5 using your scale but only because my kids are older, both drive, etc. so it'd be "easier" for me to be away for 3-4 days. Additionally, my wife is onboard and that is truly the key point in my particular situation why? because as I like to say, she has veto power and has been supportive of my from day 1! She's truly a gem. I know it's not all fun and games, commuting will take a toll, but I actually enjoy traveling as much as anyone...so my mindset, which can change once I am actually commuting, I'm on a regular trip going somewhere then I get to fly...I know that may sound a bit "naive" but all I can say is I need to see it for myself and perhaps my opinion will change drastically or it may not at all...won't know until I try it. I am fortunate that I live in San Diego and SkyWest is one of my top (if not the top) choices and they have a SAN base....sure, it'll take a bit to get to it but if I have to commute to SFO or SLC, plenty of flights and I know many SW pilots that do commute and they say they get a seat 99% due to the number of flights...sure, occasionally they have to spend a night when the get back too late or start early but it's not the norm and flights are under 1:30...again, perhaps a bit "naive" but this is based on the experience of actual SkyWest pilots. So, obviously every person's situation is unique and there are many factors affecting the decision to fly for the airlines...so a good realistic assessment is necessary to make the best possible choice. Thanks so much for sharing, it does not change my mind in terms of my goals, but you make a lot of really good points and I have considered most if not all and it seems that it is still the right choice for me...I just hope that when I do go, I will not be incredibly disappointed and my "job" becomes a JOB...which is why I am leaving the IT industry after 21 years. Best of luck to everyone and safe and happy flying!!!!!!!!!!