Originally Posted by BA0197

Firstly, as someone who was in your position not too long ago (currently at University) I'd like to first say well done so far. It is something that is not too heard by people at your stage of life. Your A level predictions are commendable and passion drives one a long way (I know it did for me).

Secondly- I too had to make the EXACT same decision that you are faced with. I've always had a passion for travel and the airline industry- it's former mystique, glory, political significance, culture and travel mindset are, without a doubt in my mind, unique, exciting and reminiscent.

I worked at AA when I lived in the States as a GA and was faced with what to do next. I did IB, so could attend school practically anywhere with my qualifications (and proudly did very well in them). I started at AA when I was 16 and worked with them right up until the day I moved back to the UK to start university.

From a young age, I wanted to be a pilot- still want to be a pilot. I wanted to travel and do so as much as I can. Two years as a GA seriously had me questioning my plans to become a pilot. Firstly, once you are in the industry, it is hard to leave. It gets in your blood. It had me seriously considering whether or not to attend university or continue there. It also gave me a chance to talk to pilots and this is the hard part.

Pilots told me not be follow in their footsteps- granted in the USA things work quite differently and pilots truly have to suffer for their starting years (with a salary so low that they had to stay in "crash pads" whilst working for the regionals). This has not happened to this extreme in Britain yet, but it will inevitably catch up as the [population requires cheaper and cheaper airfares. It really does sadden me, but this fad will hit Britain eventually, IMHO.

I made the reluctant decision to leave the airline industry and instead peruse a degree of aeronautical engineering (Which has numerous airline opportunities and broader ones as well). At the end of the day, I would like to be as well off as I can be, and made the decision that not being a pilot was part of that. I will follow the money, and people in the industry were telling me it was not wise if that was my goal. I reluctantly agreed with them as pilot after pilot told me it would never be the same. It was the most difficult decision I have made in my life up to this point.

Having a top-quality education is indispensable, don't forget that. I like the fact that higher education in the UK is reserved for the upper echelon of the intelligent mind (although it is slowly becoming less and less like that- but still quite exclusive). If you have the chance of going to a Russell Group uni- go for it. It is a privilege and honour to be awarded a place at uni after years of work.

With my decision to go the uni route, I hope it will give me an opportunity to travel and be involved in the industry in some way. I feel it will leave me better off financially in the long term. I intend to travel as much as possible.

IMHO I gave up a lot of my dream, but my rational demanded money before the ultimate passion. Instead I compromised with my second passion- engineering. I love the field I am going into and hope that it leads me to great things.

I appreciate that at your age, I would hate hearing what I have just said. At the end of the day, I do hope you pick what you feel is correct for yourself after weighing the pros and cons of everything. Do your research, get opinions from both sides and decide what YOU want to do. Having a plan is great and makes things a lot easier in life.

I'm happy where I am at and love the decision I've taken. Yet, I will always look enviously at BA Captains and wonder, but alas, that is life. I just hope to be the one in the CCR sipping my Taittinger enjoying the finer things.

Do feel free to PM me about anything and I wish you every bit of luck in your endevour, whatever that may be.