My future

Your uncle is a wise man. Air traffic controllers do way better than we do financially, and they're home every day. If you have a passion for airplanes, go for it. The only limits in life are the ones you create.

Sorry to hear about your grandmother.

 

Your uncle is a fool.
If you want to drive, drive.
.
if at any time in the future you don't want to be a truck driver, we'll let you switch careers.
(

 

Trucking is definitely easier to break into, however he was correct in that it's going down hill. Pay is less and regulations tighter. If you want to drive that's fine, but honestly I'd look at it as something to do until you can get to something else. While I love driving truck, being all over the country, securing and tarping freight, and being a part of this country's economy, it just isn't worth it anymore and already am in the works to get out in the next few years. That, or buying my own truck and running my own authority... not sure which yet. lol

 

If you want to drive a truck but also might consider being an ATC, do the ATC thing first. They have a maximum age acceptance of 'Starting the FAA Academy no later than your 31st birthday'.

SOURCE: http://faa.custhelp.com/app/answers...sion/L3RpbWUvMTQ2ODQzNDc5NC9zaWQvaktFcmFyVm0=

Trucking has no such age restriction. See if being an ATC is for you and work to get hired. If you hate hate hate it, trucking will still be here. Only downside to being an ATC is you go to the tiny towns where the move up jobs are. You gotta pay your dues for years before you'll see a major airport.

 

I did IT (computers) for years for the "good money". Through that time I bought a couple houses and cars, boats and motorcycles. I did fine but the stress of doing something for the money and not for passion is rough on the body. You never seem to get "paid" enough when you don't love or at least like what you're doing. The ATC route will probably be a better way to establish a solid foundation to build a life on but if your passions take you elsewhere keep that goal in mind and work towards it. Don't build debt that you can't cut and run from, in that I mean buy a home that is appreciating either by market or improvements. Secure all debt to that property so if things go bad all you have to do is sell the house and you are clear. Don't buy toys you can't pay cash for or pay off inside a year, and only one at a time. Those things are depreciating assets in most cases.
I drive now living out the childhood dream and it has been tough getting used to the lifestyle but I love being out there moving around the country. Good luck! Vinny

 

What you have to decide now is are you doing this to get rich, or to do what you love? No, I'll never be rich, but my family lives relatively comfortably, and I love what I do. I'll keep doing it as long as I can, until I decide I don't want to anymore, or someone says I can't anymore, then I'll be able to look into a supervisory or managerial position.
Now you have to decide which career path draws at you more. Air traffic controller us a great choice, too, assuming you'll be following your passion, not just going for the big payout.