Should I change career, if so what should I do, currently an airline pilot

[Justtrying]

Seriously considering a career change as I'm sick and tired of not being at home enough for my dd who is 2.5.

I'm currently an airline pilot and used to love my job, but the business is changing and I've had to relocate which gives me a 200 mile commute, plus where as I used to be home every night, all be it very late, I'm now spending more and more nights in hotel rooms away from home. To cut a long story short my marriage is really under strain and I'm missing dd.

Have been back at work 18 months now and work part time with 5 days on 5 days off. This is classed as 70% and my commute costs a fortune. I fund all the childcare with dd attending a great nursery a minimum of 8 days a month but generally does 15 or so.

If I career change what area do I consider, I want to get that I'm financially independent of dh as I'm not convinced that our marriage will survive, I'm hoping it will but just in case I need something that will support dd and I and allow me to perhaps rent/buy a house. I don't want to take her out of nursery as she loves it and it provides her some stability.

I'm an engineering graduate with management experience. I'm considering returning to uni to do pgce in secondary science but not sure if I can take the financial hit whilst I train. If dh had his way I'd be a sahm and whilst at the moment it's tempting, I don't want to be beholden to him.
Has anyone made the change from flight crew or similar and what did you do?

Thanks

[LioninthecauldronFucker]

No advice, but just wanted to say being an airline pilot is an amazing title! Not that that should put you off changing careers, just awesome to have on your cv

[BiggyGal]

Hello Justtrying, you are doing an amazing job. Kudos to you! I can understand what you're saying about wanting to be there for your dd and being independent of dh. I have been there myself. You have to think about the pros and cons of leaving your current job especially if your marriage is going the other way. You need to have a meeting with your HR and explain the situation of things. Ask if they can move you closer to home to help you with your family commitments; then consider getting a reliable au pair or nanny who can be with your child whilst you go earn the money to keep her in that nice nursery. Your org. are duty bound to work with you to meet your request. They must try to meet you halfway and it's only when they can't find any other option, they can say they've tried. However, if you feel you really want to give up your awesome job, there are loads of engineering jobs especially in the oil and gas, manufacturing etc even aviation sectors. They'll give their teeth to have you on board. Just do your research and identify those you want to go for and start applying now. Please don't leave your current job until you have something lined up. I've got a HR background and can help if you DM me. I'm sorry to hear of your personal circumstances but you have to be strong and determined to succeed but don't give up without having tried to make things work. Being a single mum is really hard. Trust me, I know!

[Justtrying]

Thanks, biggygirl. I actually had an assessment for a job closer to home last night so waiting to hear about that and also received a voicemail asking me to contact another company about a job I applied to 4months ago, it would mean relocating but if I'm successful I think it will be the dream job for all the family and one that allows a sensible life work balance. So fingers crossed I might have a choice to make and the commute might be coming to and end soon.

[Justtrying]

todaysdate unfortunately not! I came from a flight training background first and I'd love to go back to it but it's impossible to make a living wage at the grass roots level! Airline training is as disruptive as line flying with possibly more antisocial shifts as simulators work 24/7 it suits some people but only if they live close by, our training center is at the opposite end of the country to me.

[Mumoftwoyoungkids]

Can you negotiate a lower %age if you are currently doing 70%. It seems a shame to waste what must have been years of very expensive and difficult training.

[Justtrying]

No chance of any negotiation, redundancies announced today, 20% of workforce! don't know where the axe will fall yet. Fingers crossed the assessment I did last week was successful or the interview I have next week goes well.

[Housesellerihope]

Can you write and/or peer review safety cases for the airline industry?