Dear FT community,
I'm considering applying to United Aviate and seeking a career path as a United pilot. Yes, I am aware of
this thread about it.
Like many, it's been a lifelong dream for me to fly commercially. In my younger years, when career decision time came around in the early-mid nineties, many airlines were going bankrupt / consolidating / etc., and it seemed more reasonable to me to go in another direction. A few decades later I've now advanced in my chosen field at a bit of an accelerated pace - the executive job I have now is usually held by people a decade or two my senior. So, if I pursued commercial aviation, I would be going from the top of my field to the bottom of a new field - in my 40s!
I love what I do, but could walk away without major financial consequence for my family, at least not for a very long time. Does it make sense to consider joining a seniority based career field, when I'm already decades into my earning years? Especially at a time when recovery in aerospace could be slow?
It seems tough to get this far in my career and then start at the bottom in my 40s. On the other hand, I don't want to live my whole life and not give the aviation dream a chance. I am already well into my PPL, so I know I can at least pass an FAA exam, handle a small plane, already have a medical certificate, etc.
My wife is encouraging this career change - saying it's time I follow my passion.
Please help me evaluate if I should give this a chance.