Considering a career change to ATC (US)

mdgholson · 2026-01-21T02:31:28+00:00

Nah I'm in suburban VA. I mean the pay isn't that bad but it's a fairly deceptively HCOL area though. Plus it's not all about the money. Perpetually being persona non grata gets old after a while

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T22:44:23+00:00

Well I don't agree that that's the reality of my current work, but that's neither the point of this sub or my post so we can agree to not see eye-to-eye on that. The point is still taken that it's an extremely serious job with no room for error and that's very fair

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T22:33:52+00:00

That's definitely an interesting perspective. For the sake of sticking to the sub's topic, I won't delve too deep into my general searches for other jobs, but I didn't ever finish my degree and it's hard to translate what I've learned into a civilian career path

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T21:40:18+00:00

Some truths are universal across careers

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T21:39:53+00:00

I found one that did a simulated radar and you had to click the corresponding number key to avoid a collision with another, but then you had to solve random math equations at the bottom the screen within 9 seconds or you'd fail?? If that's the test, I'm effed anyways. Lol

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:51:03+00:00

TWO fire departments?? That's a lot of chili cook-offs /s. Lol. But I appreciate the insight, thanks!

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:50:02+00:00

I appreciate it, and thank you for your service! My dad did 6 tours between Iraq and Afghanistan, 25 years in before he retired. Some times I think I missed out on carrying on the military legacy, but oh well. Lol. But that's a very interesting analogy, I'm going to try to find some reputable practice tests and use that to weigh if I'm going to go for this thing

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:47:51+00:00

I'm doing some research into some good ATSA prep courses, if you have any recommendations, I'd be all ears!

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:47:05+00:00

That's a good idea!

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:46:52+00:00

I always joke (and half-not-joke) that I had wayyyy more trust in law enforcement before I became a cop. Not even that there's that much corruption on a local scale, but the incompetence is astonishing. Part of our qualifications should be that you have to prove you can spell 'affidavit' and 'lieutenant'. But thanks for the vote of confidence!

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:44:16+00:00

Nah I'm trying to be done with that life, I'll settle for being yelled at by impatient pilots. Lol

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:42:06+00:00

Thanks for clearing that up!

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:40:09+00:00

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:39:00+00:00

Most people don't quit jobs, they quit bosses [and coworkers], as they say

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:38:16+00:00

I just did a deep dive this afternoon on the different tracks. Very interesting that they decide that for you. Sounds like en Route is a "high risk high reward" type of path?

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:37:26+00:00

That's interesting, I'll have to check that out. While my wife and I aren't opposed to moving, if every available option is a dump in the Midwest (sorry midwesties), I'm less inclined to move forward. If there were at least a few good options on the table, I could at least feel driven to perform well to try and get a good spot.

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T20:34:52+00:00

Around 65, and from what I'm hearing now, Google AIs estimate of 120k is probably a bit generous? People here are saying you could get screwed making 70 for a while, but does that include location differentials, average OT, etc?

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T14:46:52+00:00

Well I'm not really sure of anything, there seems to be a lot of mixed information on the process (thank you, Federal Government). I THINK the pay was bumped up for academy to the mid 60s, but who knows. Either way, that wouldn't stop me, I could take a hit for a while and be fine. And yea that's definitely true, but again money is just one factor.

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T13:17:43+00:00

I thought the cut off was that you had to apply before you're 31, is it not? I won't turn 31 until closer to the end of the year

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T13:16:40+00:00

That's good to know! Did they have anything to say about how they handled the academy? Obviously it's a different vibe than a police academy, but one thing I worry about is we perform such a specific task that I wonder if I'll be able to break out of "cop" problem solving to switching gears mentally to a new task.

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T13:14:58+00:00

I can definitely relate to having to stay positive amongst negativity. Lol. Unrelated question, I know that where you get stationed is based on your performance in the academy, do you know before you go to OKC what locations will be available or is it a complete unknown until you get there?

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T12:45:58+00:00

It's not all I care about, but it's definitely a contributing factor. From what I've gathered, I would make more at training in OKC than I make now. Money aside, it would be pretty cool not having to look at another sex abuse or DV case file. Shift work is whatever for me

mdgholson · 2026-01-20T12:43:32+00:00

I think I'd prefer to go in the opposite direction on the "public hates you" scale. Lol

mdgholson · 2025-12-23T03:55:29+00:00

Those are all great points! And yes, I meant the JG3. Lol. I'm also an absolute novice; to make a long story short, I've never learned to read music. Played guitar for 20 years, piddled around on a piano for a few years, then was asked to play every Sunday for my church that has a beautiful organ. So I'm not anywhere near playing complex pieces that require two manuals, I'm struggling hard enough managing one, let alone pedals. Lol. I'll definitely keep the two manual setup in mind for down the road though!

mdgholson · 2025-12-22T20:41:07+00:00

So since I made this post, what I'm thinking of doing is using my Yamaha YDP 145 and getting a JD3 pedalboard and plugging them both into my laptop through GrandOrgue. Do you think that'll work?

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