What I Don’t Miss About Being an Airline Pilot

9 Comments

It’s 5am as I write this.  I’m no stranger to being up early.  In fact, a few years ago this would have been late for me.  I used to get out of bed around 2:45am when I had a career as an airline pilot.  I did that for seven years before becoming self-employed.  This is a picture of one of the planes I used to fly.

I remember the quietness in the mornings this early and kissing my girls on the cheek as I snuck out of the house, to return after they were back in bed for the night, a few days later.

Today, I’m headed to Charlotte, NC to meet some great friends.  We’re going to exchange some ideas to grow our businesses together.  I’ll be back home before dinner.

I don’t miss those days much.  Now, I’m in control.  It’s what happens when you decided to place the importance on what’s most significant to you in life.

What’s most significant to you?

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Posted on July 30, 2010

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  • http://www.facebook.com/jcraiggraves Craig Graves

    Justin, I’m not self employed yet but I do telecommute for my current company.  I really enjoy being close to my kids.  I’m able to take them to school in the mornings and be here when they get home from school.  I pick them up most days when work doesn’t keep me at the house.  My plan is create a business where I have this same flexibility going forward.  Spending time with my family and watching my kids grow is what’s significant to me.

    By the way, I wish you had more time in Charlotte.  Next time you’re in town may be we can get together if you can work it into your schedule.

    Craig

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    I’d love that, Craig!

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  • http://twitter.com/davidamoore David Moore

    Justin, I’ve been self employed now since 2005.  Self employment isn’t necessarily “freedom”.  Sometimes it’s just another job but YOU hold all the risk.  That’s the way I feel sometimes.  That’s why I am also looking to “diversify” with some type of online business.  So like many “employed” out there, I am still looking to make a living that doesn’t “feel” like work. (Sure wish you were still in NC.  I would have like the opportunity to meet>  But I’d also love to be able to hike Colorado anytime I wanted.  Umstead Park just doesn’t compare)

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    Boy, David. I bet I’ve done 700 miles in Umstead. Love the Company Mill trail and the connecting loop over that bridge.

    I agree with you. Self-employment can be risky, especially if you do it wrong. If you only have one client, you might as well be working for someone else. But if you have 9 or 10 and lose one, it’s a lot less risky than only having one boss.