Thinking of making a temporary career change is it worth it?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Flyboy88, Feb 8, 2021.

  1. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    Somewhat similar in that experienced drivers with spotless records and work history write their own tickets.
    Not everyone live where big money is available but I assure you I do more than 4× your current stated salary but even a dedicated new driver can double it.
     
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  3. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    Above reply meant for OP..sorry
     
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  4. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    Yeah
    I was trying to figure out the reply
     
  5. Banker

    Banker Road Train Member

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    I assume you are educated since you are flying aircraft. Hopefully you are looking at trucking as short term until you make it to the big leagues of flying. My suggestion is slightly off topic but does kind of relate to your situation.

    My goal would be to try and get on with a company who has drivers and also has an airline. One company that come to mind is UPS. I spent 10 years there as a Feeder Driver and I have several acquaintances at UPS Airlines. Senior UPS Captains make $300,000 plus a year. I realize you don’t start at that pay and you currently may not have the flying experience to get hired there for many years. I do know several Captains who started flying smaller aircraft at other companies and even smaller freight aircraft until UPS gave them a job. One thing about UPS is they like to hire and promote from within whenever possible. If you could get your foot in the door as a package car driver at UPS you could move up the ladder to a manager quickly if you have an education. Then if flying was still your goal you could do what it took to get the hours to qualify as a pilot. UPS contracts with smaller air carriers to operate on small regional routes and many of these pilots are eventually hired by UPS.

    Trucking can be an awesome career but it is very much like the Airlines. We have rookies making $40,000 a year for XYZ Mega Carrier gone for weeks at a time and we have seasoned Vets making $160,000 a year for UPS and a few other companies who are home daily. I still would pick eventually being a Captain at UPS (if you like flying) over being a feeder driver, with your background. Just my two cents.
     
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  6. Flyboy88

    Flyboy88 Bobtail Member

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    Yeah that’s the general idea. Driving a truck has always intrigued me since I was little but aviation is my first love. I’d love to get on with UPS as a pilot. That’s a retirement job. I just have one last hurdle to get over to get the basic qualifications to fly jets with bigger paychecks and better companies.
     
  7. Banker

    Banker Road Train Member

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    They really do like to hire educated people and with a little effort you can probably find a way in that suits your needs.
    Side note. UPS aircraft mechanics are some of the best paid in the industry. Also difficult to get hired in as, but not impossible.
     
  8. Flyboy88

    Flyboy88 Bobtail Member

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    Yep, is appalling how little we make. I’m in charge of 8 lives, a first officer when I have a crew, and a 3 million dollar airplane for 30k a year. Lowest paid in the world for the fleet type we operate by about 25k. It used to be a good place to work until Covid. Then that was used as an excuse to take everything the could.
    I’m definitely aware of how what they say I’ll make and how often I’ll be home varies to what actually occurs. That’s why I’m here asking your guys’ wisdom. Aviation isn’t much past “all or nothing” either. One accident or the right violation and you’re done.
     
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  9. Flyboy88

    Flyboy88 Bobtail Member

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    Yeah UPS takes care of their aviation people. And you’re right about being tough to be hired there. That’s one of those work 20 years and hope you get lucky to be hired there. I’ve thought about going back as a mechanic but there’s no jobs around here by at least 200 miles so it would definitely require a move. Again.
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
  10. Flyboy88

    Flyboy88 Bobtail Member

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    Yup I lived in Hermitage for about 3 years right next to the river. Nice neighborhood and a nice city. Just too far from home for my wife.
     
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  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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