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Lots of mentions of quitting to become a truck driver. Perhaps some people should research becoming an airline pilot. The hours and travel are similar to that of a truck driver but you’re staying in hotels, have access to healthier food, and work in a generally more comfortable environment.

Upfront investment and low starting pay are the main hurtles. The job itself is very rewarding in my opinion but you will need to spend 3-5 years at the bottom rungs before you start seeing financial upside. Having been in this career for some time now I know I would never even think to look back at life in a cubicle.




For every positive story about being an airline pilot you can find one warning to stay far away.

I have a CPMEL/IA and graduated Riddle (and even did a stint as ATC) but have switched to software engineering.

The grass is not always greener.


I truly believe some people just aren’t cut out for it. 99% of people I’ve worked with that had a ‘horrific’ career complained mostly of the time away from home and schedule. It leads them to hopping around airlines trying to find the best setup and never really gaining any kind of seniority so they can get that sweet schedule. It’s fine that some people aren’t up for it but they definitely should not be in this career if they can’t handle being on the road.

I would imagine trucking is similar in that regard. Don’t make the jump if you don’t truly want to live on the road.

The other 1% were truly unlucky from mergers, bankruptcies, or furloughs. I imagine that happens in nearly any industry given enough time.


There are also age limits on that career, right?


Mandatory retirement at 65. So I suppose you wouldn’t want to get started any later than 55 or so.

The company I worked for previously hired a 64 year old. He had always dreamed of being an airline pilot and went ahead and made it happen for a year.




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