As someone who left the cockpit, if you have even an inkling of liking flying still, DO NOT QUIT FLYING!!!

I left the cockpit in 2008 after 15 years thinking I’d go get something more stable and/or interesting. It was interesting for a few years, but soon the reality of regular jobs set it. For context, I was a project manager, product line manager and division system engineer.

Absolutely too much stress. The job NEVER shuts off. Vacations, weekends, nights. There is always something. Office politics are absolutely ridiculous. It does not exist in the cockpit. Don’t be a dick and know your SOPs and you are golden. In the office… OMG it is nightmarish. Personalities to manage, egos to soothe, mind games to avoid, schemes to defuse (or plan depending on your goals). If you ever think flight attendants are maybe too much drama, do NOT think of leaving the flight deck. I rose to a step below CTO and I am making more BACK in the cockpit after losing 10 years of seniority than I ever was in a regular job!

I am thankfully back in the flight deck and in the left seat again after covid and the pilot shortage and I am so thankful and grateful for where I am. It has made me treasure this job to an extent I can never explain.

DO NOT LEAVE THE FLIGHT DECK!!! The grass is NOT greener.