What do y'all do for a living?

[Moe2Moto]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

It's a bit less about how much you make but rather making intelligent financial decisions. I've never had a 6-figure salary but have been able to have nice cars (over 40 & counting), nice homes (6 and counting), been able to travel. I enjoy concerts & have seen over 210 separate artists live, and much more.

I also married wealthy, lol - j/k. My wife has worked her way up in her profession and now does very well. She's also built a solid reputation where companies reach out trying to recruit her regularly.

I'm a college professor & contrary to what the public believes, we don't make a lot of $. I could actually make more teaching at my kids' high school than I do working at one of the top universities in the country.

My wife works in neurovascular medical device sales.

As long as you’re living your life the best you can, sounds like a good life. But your profession and your wife’s profession caught me off guard, completely different. What University do you teach at? Could by chance be attending that school.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

Yes, but I'm going to counter this a bit with something that while not being the best pure financial advice is, I believe, good life advice:

Money is important, and saving is important, but like most things in life the extreme end of the question is rarely the best answer. While you should certainly save and be mindful of the future, I also think that you should be mindful of the present and enjoy life. I spent 20ish years driving "sensible" cars and frankly, I kind of regret it. I'm not saying I should've gone out and bought cars way above my means, but something fun would've been nice too. Those years are gone now, I'll never get them back, and I could've enjoyed them more than I did; this applies to other things like travel, etc.

You're going to unfortunately learn this more and more the older you get, but life is a total crapshoot – none of us have any idea how long we're going to be here. I've had several friends that went far too young due to brain cancer, car accidents, falling injuries, etc. And I know people now, in what should be the prime of their lives, getting cancer, Parkinsons, ALS, and more. It's depressing and reminds you how those of us that are healthy and alive are only that way oftentimes due to luck more than anything else.

So I would say that while you absolutely need to be mindful of the future and plan for it, don't let it blind you to the present either. Strike a sensible balance between the two and enjoy life both in your early years and in your later years. Because who knows how many years you have to begin with?

Sorry if this is overly maudlin or whatever – I think it's just an important perspective to at least consider. After all, as they say, you can't take it with you.

This entire post is gold.

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by Moe2Moto

As long as you’re living your life the best you can, sounds like a good life. But your profession and your wife’s profession caught me off guard, completely different. What University do you teach at? Could by chance be attending that school.

Adjoining fields - I teach in exercise physiology, human performance & specifically medical fitness & rehabilitation. 95% of my students are going to medical school, PT school, OT school, etc. I'm at the University of Texas 🤘🏻

[Moe2Moto]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

Adjoining fields - I teach in exercise physiology, human performance & specifically medical fitness & rehabilitation. 95% of my students are going to medical school, PT school, OT school, etc. I'm at the University of Texas 🤘🏻

Ahhh, I’m at Georgia State University. It’s known in Georgia, but not like University of Georgia. Hopefully I join there for my masters.

[Davil]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

It's very different in AUS, compulsory pension (superannuation) of 10% of earnings contributed by employer, so salary 100K, 10k on top is sent to your super. There's not a ton of variance from person to person, tbh there's no real comparing the US system and AUS, two different worlds. In the US you are very, very reliant on the deal you strike with your employer for your health and retirement fund.

We are very heavily taxed in Australia and it is getting worse all the time.

Quite amusing that our “free” Medicare system actually cost me over $50k for the year just recently.

I quite like the idea of living in the US. Fancy cars are much cheaper than here too.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Davil

We are very heavily taxed in Australia and it is getting worse all the time.

Quite amusing that our “free” Medicare system actually cost me over $50k for the year just recently.

I quite like the idea of living in the US. Fancy cars are much cheaper than here too.

You want taxes come to Canada man, land rates are absolutely insane. USA has it's own issues, place is balkanised to death and all this talk of less government yet they layer government like it's a cake with so much power given to each municipality. But yeah, cheaper cars. I just bought a 2019 FPace, 80k KM for $24K all in with taxes, dead set double that back home.

[keg97]

Originally Posted by Henn28

Commercial pilot….as my old man told me when I was thinking of getting out of the Navy: “flying for a living is a fantastic part time job, but the crappiest career in the world”. Boy was he right.

I was very fortunate, in a lot of ways, in that I was able to fly on active duty for a decade, then in the reserves for over a decade. It became the back-up plan for when the airline job was not very good in the 2000s. That said I have many, many friends and colleagues who applied themselves in a wide variety of fields and industries, mostly not flying, to get thru the furloughs, etc. Virtually all of them came back to flying eventually. It’s that good of a part-time job. Set the parking brake at the end of a 4 day, go home, work on your cars or other hobbies, side business, etc. and don’t think about the Company until your next trip. And when you do go to work you are flying planes.

Getting yourself to a position where you qualify to apply is the challenge. I went the military route and loved it. I’d recommend it to anyone, even with the lengthy commitments. Mine was 7 years after wings, now aviation contracts are running 10 years for most services. If you go the civilian route, paying for your flight training initially, it’s expensive and will take less time, but it can be a real slog. Young an unmarried, who cares because you are flying planes. Kids and a wife make it tough as you are gone a lot as a junior pilot (seniority based industry) and making highly average wages. That said, in 8 years maybe, economy depended, you can get the experience and licenses you need to qualify for an interview with a major airline.

I’d recommend the military route, but that’s just my experience. Plus, lots of guys do 20 years and then get out and go right to a major airline. FAA mandated retirement is at 65 for us so they will have 10+ years flying commercially and their mil pension.

Working for a unionized major airline is the goal. The only reason it’s a job with having, and that flying on a US/EU/Asian flagged major airline-carrier airplane is the safest form of transportation in the world, by multiples, is because of the union which advocates relentlessly for safe practices, operations and scheduling. The system safety practices and policies developed (with management) and adopted at major union carriers are eventually adopted at virtually all major carriers, unionized or not.

Contracts across the industry are good right now, lead by (at my airline) competent and smart management and an active and engaged union. It’s not always this way and there will be ups and downs for sure, but the nature of the job as you build seniority will afford you time to develop a side gig or be a mil reservist which is your safety net should the economy crash or other factors cause an industry implosion again (covid, 911, etc.)

Happy to talk more about it…pm me if you are interested

My son is going to US Air Force Academy this summer and strongly considering getting into flying C-130's. Not sure he's cut out for the real fighter jet stuff but big and slow- yup! We're excited for him.

[Davil]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

You want taxes come to Canada man, land rates are absolutely insane. USA has it's own issues, place is balkanised to death and all this talk of less government yet they layer government like it's a cake with so much power given to each municipality. But yeah, cheaper cars. I just bought a 2019 FPace, 80k KM for $24K all in with taxes, dead set double that back home.

Nothing on this earth would make me want to go to Canada.

[25 V8 IS]

I'm unemployed since June of last year. But I'm caretaking for my elderly father part time while I get my new business started.

[Moe2Moto]

Originally Posted by 25 V8 IS

I'm unemployed since June of last year. But I'm caretaking for my elderly father part time while I get my new business started.

Hopefully it works out the best for you man

[flybigjet]

Currently, a Boeing 737 Captain and Line Check Pilot (i.e. instructor/evaluator who can fly from either the left or right seat depending if you're working with a new First Officer or new Captain) with a major commercial airline. I think I'll probably stay on the 737 until I retire. I've been to the Widebody game and..... meh. They do have better layovers though.

I did seven years on Active Duty in the USAF and 20 years in the Air Force Reserve flying the C-5 Galaxy. There was a fair bit of overlap with the Reserves and the airline. Retired from the military and drawing a pension now, but I still miss it.

A little over five years to go with the airline (mandatory retirement is 65) and I enjoy every single day I go to work.

R.

[V1_ROT8]

Originally Posted by Henn28

Commercial pilot…


Happy to talk more about it…pm me if you are interested

Some solid advice here for any aspiring young pilots. I went the civilian route due to the much stricter medical standards in the military around the year 2000. Since I wear contacts, I was told by recruiters that it would be nearly impossible for me to get a pilot slot. I know things have changed since then, but I’m way too old for that now.

You’re right, the 1st 5-10 years of the civilian route were pretty rough, especially with a young family. 4 years of college, 2.5 years as a flight instructor, 6 years as a regional 1st Officer, 2 as a Captain, and 1 year as an LCA before getting a shot at a major airline. It wasn’t until my 1st Captain position, so about 8.5 years after college, that I was able to make what I consider a livable wage. Thankfully, through some stubborn perseverance, the support of my family, some luck, and good timing, I can now say the juice was worth the squeeze. Contracts have also improved dramatically over the past 5-7 years.

Originally Posted by flybigjet

Currently, a Boeing 737 Captain and Line Check Pilot (i.e. instructor/evaluator who can fly from either the left or right seat depending if you're working with a new First Officer or new Captain) with a major commercial airline. I think I'll probably stay on the 737 until I retire. I've been to the Widebody game and..... meh. Better layovers though.

I did seven years on Active Duty in the USAF and 20 years in the Air Force Reserve flying the C-5 Galaxy-- I was in the jet the entire time. Retired and drawing a pension now, but I still miss it.

R.

Fellow 737 Captain here. I wonder if we’re at the same airline. I’m thinking it’s possible, especially since you referred to yourself as an LCP, and not an LCA 😉

[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by V1_ROT8

Fellow 737 Captain here. I wonder if we’re at the same airline. I’m thinking it’s possible, especially since you referred to yourself as an LCP, and not an LCA ��

I *still* call it "LCA" more often than not. It was sort of a silly change, imho.

The Two-Day I finished today was DEN-CUN-IAH-MIA-DEN with a New Hire FO (from FedEx- go figure). Tomorrow and Monday is Groundhog Day- same exact trip (but without the student). Tues-Wed is DEN-BOI-DEN-CLE-DH DEN. That pretty much ought to explain who I fly for. I will add that my jet does *not* have any animals on the tail.

And, that I'm not allowed to wear my leather jacket anymore.

35 hours in six days, plus an additional 3+30 DH. I'm *still* not sure how that's legal.

The weird part? I'm at 9%, somewhere north of 20,000 hours and this is what I end up doing with my seniority.

R.

[V1_ROT8]

Originally Posted by flybigjet

I *still* call it "LCA" more often than not. It was sort of a silly change, imho.

The Two-Day I finished today was DEN-CUN-IAH-MIA-DEN with a New Hire FO (from FedEx- go figure). Tomorrow and Monday is Groundhog Day- same exact trip (but without the student). Tues-Wed is DEN-BOI-DEN-CLE-DH DEN. That pretty much ought to explain who I fly for. I will add that my jet does *not* have any animals on the tail.

And, that I'm not allowed to wear my leather jacket anymore.

35 hours in six days, plus an additional 3+30 DH. I'm *still* not sure how that's legal.

The weird part? I'm at 9%, somewhere north of 20,000 hours and this is what I end up doing with my seniority.

R.

Yup, same airline 😎👍. I know it works a little differently as an LCP, but might I suggest a month of reserve if you’re looking for a little break? A local with some seniority on reserve is a pretty sweet gig under our most recent contract.

[Alfisti]

I dunno how you fly boys do it with a family, man it's a lot of time away.

[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I dunno how you fly boys do it with a family, man it's a lot of time away.

That can be a feature, not a bug.

R.

[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by V1_ROT8

Yup, same airline 😎👍. I know it works a little differently as an LCP, but might I suggest a month of reserve if you’re looking for a little break? A local with some seniority on reserve is a pretty sweet gig under our most recent contract.

No bueno for me as an LCP.

You're going to get used pretty much every day.

I don't do anything before 0900, no 4-Days and no ANF. That.... wouldn't be possible on RSV.

R.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

Yes, but I'm going to counter this a bit with something that while not being the best pure financial advice is, I believe, good life advice:

Money is important, and saving is important, but like most things in life the extreme end of the question is rarely the best answer. While you should certainly save and be mindful of the future, I also think that you should be mindful of the present and enjoy life. I spent 20ish years driving "sensible" cars and frankly, I kind of regret it. I'm not saying I should've gone out and bought cars way above my means, but something fun would've been nice too. Those years are gone now, I'll never get them back, and I could've enjoyed them more than I did; this applies to other things like travel, etc.

You're going to unfortunately learn this more and more the older you get, but life is a total crapshoot – none of us have any idea how long we're going to be here. I've had several friends that went far too young due to brain cancer, car accidents, falling injuries, etc. And I know people now, in what should be the prime of their lives, getting cancer, Parkinsons, ALS, and more. It's depressing and reminds you how those of us that are healthy and alive are only that way oftentimes due to luck more than anything else.

So I would say that while you absolutely need to be mindful of the future and plan for it, don't let it blind you to the present either. Strike a sensible balance between the two and enjoy life both in your early years and in your later years. Because who knows how many years you have to begin with?

Sorry if this is overly maudlin or whatever – I think it's just an important perspective to at least consider. After all, as they say, you can't take it with you.

Nice post and similar to my mindset. If you have not read the book "Die with Zero" I highly recommend it as it changed the way I think about saving and spending. Essentially it preaches the value of spending on experiences earlier in life when you can enjoy things more fully as opposed to when you are much older and may not receive as much enjoyment.

[25 V8 IS]

Originally Posted by Moe2Moto

Hopefully it works out the best for you man

Thanks!

[Henn28]

Originally Posted by keg97

My son is going to US Air Force Academy this summer and strongly considering getting into flying C-130's. Not sure he's cut out for the real fighter jet stuff but big and slow- yup! We're excited for him.

That’s fantastic….no shortage of work in the C-130 community. Plus there are seem to be a ton of them flying in the Guard and Reserve. Like I said, if he wants to be an airline guy eventually, it’s best to have a backup plan for when things go south for a while. As they do.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Nice post and similar to my mindset. If you have not read the book "Die with Zero" I highly recommend it as it changed the way I think about saving and spending. Essentially it preaches the value of spending on experiences earlier in life when you can enjoy things more fully as opposed to when you are much older and may not receive as much enjoyment.

Not saying you're wrong at all. It's your life. But, you can absolutely live an exciting life being young and saving money too. Instant gratification and "me too!" can be a dangerous thing, especially at a younger age. Saving, being patient, and goal setting are important things to learn. Starting out with super nice cars, a big house, etc. often leads to one upping yourself on the next purchase. It's only natural to want to upgrade to something nicer. That can be a big problem if your paycheck doesn't support those upgrades thus you start borrowing and dig yourself into a huge financial hole and working for the rest of your life or worse, being forced to retire early because of health and then living at a poverty level.

I bought fun Japanese cars when I was young and modded them and learned to work on them. Same with my first cheap house. I learned a ton. I slowly upgraded over the years. The amount of money I've saved learning to do repairs on cars, home, electronics, etc. has saved me $$$$$$ and that allowed me to save a lot of that money in my investments. Huge snowball effect. HUGE.

Lastly, I want to leave money for my kids all the while enjoying it too. That's why I plan to retire at 53ish (i.e. soon).

[Moe2Moto]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Not saying you're wrong at all. It's your life. But, you can absolutely live an exciting life being young and saving money too. Instant gratification and "me too!" can be a dangerous thing, especially at a younger age. Saving, being patient, and goal setting are important things to learn. Starting out with super nice cars, a big house, etc. often leads to one upping yourself on the next purchase. It's only natural to want to upgrade to something nicer. That can be a big problem if your paycheck doesn't support those upgrades thus you start borrowing and dig yourself into a huge financial hole and working for the rest of your life or worse, being forced to retire early because of health and then living at a poverty level.

I bought fun Japanese cars when I was young and modded them and learned to work on them. Same with my first cheap house. I learned a ton. I slowly upgraded over the years. The amount of money I've saved learning to do repairs on cars, home, electronics, etc. has saved me $$$$$$ and that allowed me to save a lot of that money in my investments. Huge snowball effect. HUGE.

Lastly, I want to leave money for my kids all the while enjoying it too. That's why I plan to retire at 53ish (i.e. soon).

The last paragraph shocked me, retiring at 53. What do you do for a living? What will your living style be once you retire? And how do you plan on stretching the amount you saved over the rest of your life?