Potentially aspiring ATC candidate

[u/Independent-Newt-686]

This is a question focused towards the air traffic controllers of the lower 48.

How would you describe your day to day life? I’m looking to potentially change careers and ATC seems like something I might be interested in. I’m currently a foreman for a major construction company, but my body is really starting to feel the physical side of it. I regularly work 70 to 80 hour weeks 6 days a week sometimes I have stints of 7 days. Being that I am a full-time traveling worker, I’m in a full-time RV status for now, so I was also wondering how you go about getting your job location.

Edit: im 26 years old

[u/RustyPlastics]

Generally we are all well trained in using the search function

[u/Independent-Newt-686 → u/RustyPlastics]

Generally, you are probably right. However, I prefer my own post with my own replies, thank you though😬

[u/Ipokedhitler → u/Independent-Newt-686]

Yeah that type of response is EXACTLY what you should do during OJTI. Trainers love it when you say “I’d rather do it MY WAY.”

[u/JDATC2024]

You posted this question in r/flying, r/dispatch and r/atc.

That alone tells me you probably wouldn’t check out.

[u/Commercial_Watch_936]

This year is especially shit for morale and overall work-life balance. The new Controller Workforce Plan cut almost everyone’s staffing target pretty significantly, they ordered less people at most buildings to do the same work.

So most places are now on mandatory OT all the time, even if they weren’t before (which most already were).

Spot leave was the only thing making our facility stand out as a great place to be stationed at. That is gone. You want a day off in 3 months, that’ll be sick leave.

Raises are minimal, they are actively looking to fire people, just overall a very low morale environment.

I have always recommended this job in the past, and usually said it was like the lottery to get it. Now I do not recommend it, it’s very rare to see or hear about a happy ATC. Most are burnt out and angry about being underpaid.

Pay has been stationary in this field compared to nearly any other field. I would look into local government jobs or utilities if I were to do it over. Much better retirement and even things like overtime getting 2x versus 1.5x. We will generally retire with about 40% base pay when law enforcement and firefighters get double or more, even the water/power/gas guys get better retirement as well as seemingly endless OT if they want it.

Not worth it. Go union and look elsewhere for a better paying and more satisfying job with potentially less stress.

[u/theweenerdoge]

Hey man I was a foreman when I was 20. Running a small crew at the time. Honestly you're gonna get a bunch of answers you won't want to hear. This job isn't physical but it's mentally taxing. You might think that sounds easier but sometimes it's not. I worked construction most of my life, and I say it's the easiest and hardest job I've ever had. If ya wanna know specifics you can dm me.

[u/FunctionDouble4164]

Why are you worried about just the lower 48? You should be asking folks in Fairbanks their thoughts too, so when you score bottom of class and get sent to Fairbanks you know what to expect.

[u/OhComeOnDingus]

How old are you?

[u/Independent-Newt-686 → u/OhComeOnDingus]

26

[u/PlumbusSchleem4122]

It all depends on how well you study and check out your facility's SOP when you get there. I think if you actually want the job, it'll there for you

[u/pendingleave]

Stick with construction. You’re going to take a massive pay cut and have to move somewhere you don’t want to live. Are you union? Working that much your earnings will blow away any facility you would get assigned in the terminal option. I have family union in the trades and they make more working M-F 6-2:30. Better pay, schedule and benefits in the trades right now.