Should I finish my Aviation degree?

[-]

MostNinja2951@reddit

Change majors. Aviation "degrees" are worthless for anything other than checking the box on your airline application and you're already worrying about medical issues preventing you from getting a job as a pilot.

[-]

InGeorgeWeTrust_@reddit

Sounds like you have 2 years left at your current degree.

You can choose to change majors, probably gonna take longer if not just the same amount of time to finish. That’s up to you, if you want to work at an airline you just need a degree. Doesn’t matter what it is in.

Dispatch as far as I’m aware doesn’t require a degree to work anywhere, just your dispatcher certification which does cost money but less than a degree. The threat of losing a job is always there, don’t let that dissuade you.

Finding a job with a good income and saving up is more important than the flight time anyways. Consulting an AME now might be in your favor as a lot of the process is simply a waiting game provided you are taking an approved medication for your anxiety.

You’re not in a bad spot, definitely have some options. I can’t pick for you.

[-]

finiteinnature@reddit (OP)

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your perspective.

I just feel very discouraged and so far the university hasn't given me any helpful advice when I sought it.

Thanks, again.

[-]

InGeorgeWeTrust_@reddit

No problem. Remember the school wants your tuition and the graduation percentage.

I believe dispatcher license is just about 5k with the training, test prep and test. Could be worth saving for if that’s what you are interested in. It’s a good job, usually comes with flight benifit and a descent salary.

[-]

Yesthisisme50@reddit

You want to fly airplanes but you’re worried about seeing an AME? You’re going to have to make a choice.

[-]

finiteinnature@reddit (OP)

You're right. I guess I've just been pushing it off because I want a better source of income before I start flight training and it's easier to leave the option on the table than to find out I won't qualify.

[-]

Yesthisisme50@reddit

I’d encourage you to find out sooner rather than later that you can hold a medical. Don’t wait around and then find out last minute that you might not be able to get a medical

[-]

rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

Hello! I am currently majoring in Flight Operations, minoring in Business and have at least 4-5 more semesters at my University before I finish my degree. I'm already in about 10k debt and I am so tired of school. I want to be working and pulling myself out of debt, not accruing more.

I'm looking for a career out, or even something that can pay the bills while I finish school at a slower pace. I have a part time non-aviation job now and am barely surviving. I have been thinking about being an Aircraft Dispatcher but honestly they make it sound like an unstable path with the constant threat of furlough.

My long term goal is to become an aerial firefighter, but I don't have the time or money (unless I take out a loan) for flight training right now. I have 0 flight hours and because I currently take a low dose of meds for social anxiety, am honestly afraid to see an AME for my medical.

It feels like there are no smart choices here and I don't know what to do. I just want to make a living and eventually fly planes.

Any advice would be helpful. I'm a hard worker, but it's hard to see a future right now. Thanks!

Please downvote this comment until it collapses.

Questions about this comment? Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please contact the mods of this subreddit.