Life Changes

Well, here I sit in my new home. It is much bigger than my old place. My wife is at work now and I start training for my new job this evening. I am going to get my state license to sell insurance. Yes, I am going to be an insurance agent. Everyone I have talked to tells me a person can make a good living selling insurance. I had to do something. Even if I could get my medical back today trying to get a job in this market would be pretty tough.

I have been getting some emails from people seeking answers about pilots with depression. One young woman wrote seeking answers for someone close to her who lost his job with a major airline due to the economy. This particular pilot has expressed feelings of worthlessness since he can no longer provide. He has had some interviews, but the companies turned out to be less than reputable. I know what it feels like to be without an income and being dependent on someone else to provide. I could not have made it through my tough times without my wife.

The main thing to remember is that your worth is not related to what you do for a living. I know pilots have egos and we feel as if we have lost our identity if we are not flying. However, you are no less of a person if you find yourself in a position which you are forced to seek employment outside of aviation.

What truly makes the type of person you are is found within. Look deep within yourself and ask yourself what is truly important. My wife told her parents the other day that she feels that it took a real man to step up to the plate and go on the medications even though I knew it would end my career. I was deeply touched by her words. To her I am not a man because I flew a jet. To her I am a man because I faced my demons and I am now fighting them head on.

Remember, you are much more than a pilot. You are a worthwhile human being. There is much good in the world that you can do without flying. Just look at the time and dedication it took for you to get to the level you are at in your flying. It took someone with motivation and dedication to achieve what many people only dream of doing. Now take that same energy and focus it on something else. Find something that is worthwhile and work hard at it just like you did with your flying. Life does not end simply because we are stuck on the ground.

Keep an eye on the sky!

Prozac Pilot

I Need a New Heading

Each day I wonder what it is I was sent to this earth to do. I have been given talents and gifts from God that I cannot waste or throw away. I love getting in front of a crowd and speaking. I have done a little stand up comedy. But it was the motivational speeches that I truly enjoyed. I have struggled for years what it is I should do with this talent. I have the ability to use my skills, but just not sure how to go about getting an audience. And not just getting an audience, but what message does that audience want to hear that I have some expertise in.

I am now in my fifties. I deeply love flying. But there has to be something else out there I can do that would make me just as happy. I am looking at some ways to be involved with various groups when I get to my new home after my move. Perhaps I can find what I need to do there. I would love to take these skills and use them to help others. I am guessing there are many who suffer from depression or survivors of childhood abuse that perhaps could benefit from hearing one of their own talk about how life can be good. Now the question is, how do I find an audience of people like this?

Any suggestions?

Keep an eye on the sky!

Prozac Pilot