In thinking about a career you need to look at the long term prospects.
1. Aviation is very succeptable to any major interntaional problem such as terrorism, pandemics etc. A major pandemic could reduce flying dramatically.
2. Flying used to be a well paying job, with plenty of time off. Today we are working much harder, we are at work more, and usually with minimum day-off. There has been a dramatic shift in pay, with the airlines trying to drive wages down by various methods. Also the pay of a pilot has stagnated whereas other professions have increased.
3. We subject ourselves to higher levels of radiation, being exposed to various diseases being re-circulated through the cabin air. De-hydration. We also subject a much higher level of medical scrutiny, with many medical problems causing you to lose your license and youir ability to earn money.
4. Lack of control over your life. You won't have any control over being home for birthdays, christmas etc. You won't be able to plan ahead to attend special events.
5. Flying used to be a fairly challenging job. Today we have glass cockpits, fly by wire aircraft that virtually fly themselves. International flying has become so boring with the advent of datalink and GPS navigation, a flight across the Pacific invloves 14 hours of sitting there (with half of that in the crew rest) and about 10 buttons presses to send messages.
6. There aren't many airlines to work for. Just imagine when you finish your training there are just three employers to work for in the country that provide reasonable conditions.
7. Constant checking of your ability. A couple of times each year you have to get into the simulator to prove your ability. Fail a few times and once again you're out of a job, or at least you won't be able to promote. Your ability is also open to interpretation depending on who is assessing you.
Is flying a good job ? At the moment it is, I still enjoy it. But if my kid is just leaving school with good marks and looking for a career would I suggest him to choose aviation? I would ask him to think twice.....
There are just too many risks to flying career. The enjoyment is no longer there. The pay is no longer there. I would choose a career that doesn't affect my health, and doesn't control my life. Where my employer respects me and treats me as an asset not as a liability. Where, if I was sick of working for one employer there were plenty of other employers around.
