Airborne03 0 #26 December 19, 2003 Quote***no he didnt laugh at all...he told my friend to think about it over the weekend and see if he still wanted to change....ofcourse he did so eventually he let him change majors, funny stuff though!*** So, basically he's not going to give himself an out? I wonder because I assume you guys are about 19 or 20 and he's doing something that will limit what he will be able to do in his future. If he finds a female and decides to have a family instead of being a skydive instructor then he's going to look back and say, "Geez, I wish I had put myself in a better position to support my family." It definitely doesn't hurt to get a higher level of education. If anything, he's showing your command that he doesn't have the ability to weigh all options. no he let him switch. so he and I are both now aerospace studies majors. I think for him it was more of a Id rather enjoy my life now and after the army. he didnt want to do civil engeneering but was just told to do it because if he has the chance, he might as well. thats like me sitting through pre-med classes when i dont want to be a doctor just cause it pays well. i see his point. he will prob make the army the career anyway so know knows. "Airborne all the way" EL Cantador Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #27 December 19, 2003 QuoteI personally would not make skydiving my only career though as an instructor. Besides the weather being an issue in most places, there are too many things that can change rather quickly. Like if you got injured. It's not like you are an NFL player who if you get injured you will still get paid big $$$ and it is possible you may not even have health insurance through your DZ. I have never heard of a DZ that offers medical insurance. Instructors are independent contractors and are on their own. Break a leg? The DZO will hire another I to take your place and then the DZ will over staffed when you finally heal. Drop zone over staffed and you aren’t making enough money? Live with it or find another DZ. Don’t like how something is done? Complain and get fired Don’t want to take that tandem in the rain? “Take’em or your fired, pussy.” DZO is selling a $500.00 rig for $2,000.00 to your student? Tell the student it isn’t a good deal and get fired. It is a meager existence to do tandems and AFF. It’s not you are being paid to fun jump. I can’t count the number of times a tandem student told me I had the greatest job in the world, interrupting my thoughts on how I was going to survive through the winter. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJL 235 #28 December 19, 2003 Well, I'm not going to be you or your buddy's career counselor but, like I said, it doesn't hurt to have a strong major, not just for the money but for the proof and exercise of your abilities. On your promotions and billets you'll still be competing with the Engineering and Technical majors. When I was at VMI I was thinking about changing to an easier major from Mechanical Engineering because I was intending to go into the Navy for life, because I was already picking up starts on the lacrosse team as a freshman, and because the English and History departments were both suggesting that I switch. It seemed like the rational thing to do so that I could focus on the things that I liked. I'm glad I didn't change. I ended up changing my decision to go into the Navy and with lacrosse I had achieved just about everything that someone could and neither club ball or coaching has given me the satisfaction of lining up on a Saturday afternoon. I've only met people who regretted not doing as much or as well in school. Never someone who wished that they did less. Edit: Ya know, I'm going to add to this. There seems to be the myth that being a good officer is independent of one's previous education. At VMI I had countless classmates who would stay up late shinning their shit because that's what Cadre told them to do. Into the military, there seemed to be that perception that it's OK to have a slack major, because once you're in then you can be an Admiral. The truth is that those who succeed in the military and in the civilian world are ones who set high mental standards for themselves. College isn't about just passing until you get commissioned."I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kramer 0 #29 December 19, 2003 QuoteI can’t count the number of times a tandem student told me I had the greatest job in the world, interrupting my thoughts on how I was going to survive through the winter. Powerful stuff. -Kramer The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #30 December 20, 2003 QuoteQuote computed my hourly rate to about $1.98/hr. How much does Jet charge per hour? She is priceless, but she has definitely increased business! She is my little PR rep. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #31 December 20, 2003 Quote.........but at least Mathias will get someday get the call to be in the "show" at Alaska air. $$$$$$$$$$$!! Yeah, but then I won't even have a come back for his taunts! It's not like Horizon Air is forking out the dough. Life is good! I don't live in an RV anymore ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #32 December 20, 2003 I don't think i'd give it all up and become a skydive instructor for a living. Not that I have a whole lot that i'd be giving up or anything... but, I think i'm going to keep my job in IT until I transfer to a university and dig myself into unpayable student debt for 4 years. QuoteI've only met people who regretted not doing as much or as well in school. Never someone who wished that they did less. Amen! It is always good to read things like you've written. Makes me realize that i'm making the right decision about going for a real major rather than a slack major. I don't even know if I want to be an engineer... but, hey, it is interesting, and mentally challenging. Why limit myself?! Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sickwill 0 #33 December 20, 2003 i guess skydiving sort of chose me...but at the same time i did make the choice to quit school, and work, and just start hangin around the drop zone all the time...the way i see it someone has to get paid to stay up drinkin all night and get carted around the country in private arcraft like a rock star. granted you can only skydive all day and party all night for so many years so some might say my future is somewhat limited, but between now and when i die i am gonna have more fun, meet more cool, go more cool places, and just generaly smile a lot more that i would had i chosen any other path...i'll never have a lot more than just what i need, but i will always be havin fun------------------------- ~~~i love this shit~~~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #34 December 20, 2003 You could always go to New Zeland and get your degree in skydiving! If there is a degree, there must be a demand, right????_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GroundZero 0 #35 December 20, 2003 Quote Who would choose skydiving as a career? me... no regrets... though i always wish I had more money. Remember, we skydivers are "type a" people... if we were rich, we'd want more. But have ya ever been anywhere else where you saw more people smiling? Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmsmith 1 #36 December 20, 2003 QuoteMakes me realize that i'm making the right decision about going for a real major rather than a slack major. I don't even know if I want to be an engineer... but, hey, it is interesting, and mentally challenging. The world is changing rather fast these days, and your engineering degree gives you a solid foundation from which to launch into whatever comes your way. Most of the engineers I know are not wealthy, but they are rich! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Airborne03 0 #37 December 20, 2003 get what your saying man. thanks for the advice. ill pass it along blue skies! "Airborne all the way" EL Cantador Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lopullterri 0 #38 December 21, 2003 WOW!! Been there...seen that...and more!!~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #39 December 21, 2003 QuoteQuoteI can’t count the number of times a tandem student told me I had the greatest job in the world, interrupting my thoughts on how I was going to survive through the winter. Powerful stuff. -Kramer >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yes! I am one of the few Canadian skydivers who get paid a salary to hang around the DZ all winter. Sometimes I rig half-days - to keep myself amused - while other days I work 10 hours to meet deadlines. The other alternative is returning to my old job in the loft at Perris Valley, California. Same money, but a longer commute. Rigging may not be glamorous, but it keeps noodles on the table during the darkest days of winter. The moral of the story is: don't quit your daytime job until you have a rigger rating. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skylord 1 #40 December 22, 2003 I would, but like a few others it will happen after I retire from my profession (air traffic control). I'm four years away, and I'll use that time to get my ratings. BobBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RkyMtnHigh 0 #41 December 22, 2003 Who wouldn't is the question?! I thought being SuperWoman, Career Woman was where I wanted to be...and after my Puerto Vallarta trip...I realized that I'd be more happy being a "canopy tour" guide showing visitors the awesome wonders of the jungle and nature!...hell yeah! Corporate America doesn't compare! _________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benny 0 #42 December 31, 2003 Sitting here in this empty mall on New Year's eve, supposedly to sell cellular phones I agree. Who wouldn't? Are you nuts?? Hell, even if it meant eating Ramen noodles for the rest of my life, it's gotta be better than this shit. Never go to a DZ strip show. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DanglesOZQld 0 #43 January 1, 2004 The bottom line is that a high paying job (for most anyway!) is just not worth the years of BS and crap you have to put up with. I would rather earn less and still love what I do and have some sanity at the end of the day. I was a tradesman for many years before I decided to give up that and do skydiving full time and would not go back to what I was doing if they paid me double what they did then! Most weeks I actually make more than when I was working as a tradesman and the suntan is also a lot easier to keep!! Also being at one of Oz's largest dz's work wise helps as well! All a matter of having a goal, working towards it and being a bit lucky in some respects on the way as well! BSBD -Mark. "A Scar is just a Tattoo with a story!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpinjackflash 0 #44 January 1, 2004 I think anything/everything can turn into complete bullshit... However, I've spent 10 plus years in the corporate world, and I'm, well, stick a fork in me, I'm done. My 5 year plan includes getting my youngest through school and then, all bets are off. I'm outta here. Honestly the thought and the goals/objectives that I have to meet to make this happen give me a reason to smile every day. I've already had many many "old hands" laugh at me and tell me "You don't know what your in for", which, is prolly true. Honestly though? I do know what I'm leaving behind and hey, it's all good. As SkyBytch says at the top of this post, it's not all about money, been there, done that, and yes its way cool to earn the big bucks, but it doesn't keep the smile there thats for damn sure. So, the rocket is heading for the launch pad, and it's on a slow ride, but it'll get there, and I'll enjoy the preparation to get there, and the ride once it launches. Peace, jjfIt's a gas, gas, gas... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #45 January 1, 2004 QuoteI've already had many many "old hands" laugh at me and tell me "You don't know what your in for", which, is prolly true. Honestly though? I do know what I'm leaving behind and hey, it's all good. Well, they're right. If you're used to a nice house, a nice car and enough money to do whatever you want to do then you really do need to think long and hard about it. Your income, especially initially, working in the skydiving industry (instructing, video, coaching, rigging, gear sales, manufacturing, whatever) will be quite a bit less than what you're used to having available. Living in a ratty trailer or a tent or in the back room of a gear store on a dz is a far cry from a three bedroom two bath house in the suburbs. Most people who work full time in skydiving own cars that are worth less than their skydiving equipment. As long as you're cool with that lack of material things then it's all good. It's a bit easier to make the lifestyle transition if you're like me and haven't had a real job before - I effectively got a $2/hour raise when I quit the job I had and moved to Perris to work for Square One. That says more about the jobs/bosses I had before Square One hired me (they sucked, every one of them ) than it does about the high pay scale in gear sales though. It's a good life being immersed in the sport that is your passion, but you certainly ain't gonna get rich working in skydiving, and it's not for everybody. Personally, I can't imagine doing anything else with my life anymore... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpinjackflash 0 #46 January 1, 2004 Ahhh, see, I've come full circle though. Been there, done that. Spent half my life as a pauper, turnin circles in the middle of the room looking for something that I couldnt' quite find. Then I found IT, literally. Made a killing, house in the burbs, travel, etc...etc... Big deal. Aside from the fact that I've been blessed enough to take care of myself and my family. Which is fabulous. More than anything, I've learned "whats important". Which is why... After the youngest gets through school, it's back to PBJ's for me, and jumping, and whatever the hell else it takes to put a brew in my hand, and a smile on my face. I've slept in a tent, I've slep in the Hilton, neither really put the smile on my face, but other things, they are more important. Sounds so completely jaded, which I'm not, I'm grateful, I'm blessed. At the same time though? I've learned whats important to me, quality, not quantity. I've been poor, I've been well off, and everything in between. Honestly, my financial statement has not ever been whats dictated my happiness. In fact, in many ways, I've found it more painful chasing the brass ring, than anything in my life. It bites, it sucks, and it gets real tiring real damn quick. There has to be more to it. New Year to you, JackIt's a gas, gas, gas... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonyhathaway 0 #47 January 1, 2004 The only thing worse than skydiving for a living, is not skydiving for a living. -TonyMy O.C.D. has me chasing a dream my A.D.D. won't let me catch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #48 January 1, 2004 QuoteIt's a good life being immersed in the sport that is your passion, but you certainly ain't gonna get rich working in skydiving, and it's not for everybody. Personally, I can't imagine doing anything else with my life anymore... i would say you are 'richer' than you think you are, if you are living the path you feel passionately about.. all around the world, everywhere i go no one understands me no one knows, what i'm trying to say.....but you...you speaka my language... perhaps a great part of it is (as i once heard a wise woman state) 'finally knowing where the people from my planet are" i cannot say there is much i'll truly miss about the way i've been living my life now....there is always more money, there is not always more time to enjoy the days you have..____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brits17 0 #49 January 2, 2004 Rigging and skydiving are barely getting me through college right now. And all I have to support is myself. I enjoy it as a part-time deal, but can't see myself doing it full time. Its a tideover until I get my degree so I can FUN jump and not HAVE to jump to support myself. I'm afraid of burnout and well the politics, sheesh, I can barely handle that part-time... Don't get me wrong, I love skydiving and always will, but there's a whole nother world out there too. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpinjackflash 0 #50 January 2, 2004 This is exactly what I'm talking about. I love to cook. I love to play guitar. I love to read. But, more than anything. There isn't anything that has approached the feeling I get when I exit that plane at 14k. Truly awe inspiring, and breathtaking. Also, I'm 38 years old, so I don't need to be reminded all the obovious, like how it will turn into a job, etc... I don't view the world with rose colored glasses, never will. But I do know this. Skydiving is where I want to be. Period. Blues, JackIt's a gas, gas, gas... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
