What sparked your career change? 

I was made redundant in 2020 due to the effects of the CoVid pandemic.

What work were you doing previously? 

I was an airline pilot operating the Boeing 777 to Los Angeles.

What are you doing now?

I am a Drone Instructor and studying a training and assessment course.

Why did you change jobs?

My position was made redundant due to the pandemic and that led me back to instructing. It has also opened up opportunities to explore my other interests.

What process did you go through to decide to change? 

Unfortunately, the ball was not in my hands but rather the current world circumstance.

What help did you manage to get? 

As part of my redundancy package, I was offered the opportunity to chat to a career coach. This has proven to be invaluable. Richard at LME Coaching provided wonderful guidance and encouragement to chase my new pursuits.

What was the hardest part of changing careers? 

For me, it’s been a humbling experience and a positive one. The hardest part is knowing how hard I worked for something and almost overnight it was gone. To overcome this I redirected my focus and reminded myself of all the new opportunities I have been able to explore.

What have you learned in the process? 

I have learned ‘telling’ will not get you as far as demonstrating. This was especially important when writing my resume and cover letters.

Are you happy with the change? 

Yes absolutely. I’m excited about the future and working towards a new career goal.

What do you miss and what don’t you miss? 

I have always enjoyed the dynamic atmosphere aviation provides. The challenges it presents and the lifestyle it afforded me. I don’t miss the fatigue it can create from long 20+hour duties. We did have breaks but when your on the job, your mind is always active.

What do you enjoy most about your new career? 

The flexibility to work from home some days and of course working with young adults that are interested in pursuing a career within the aviation industry.

What do you wish you’d done differently? 

I wish I had utilised my time more wisely whilst I was working and take up part-time study.  Aviation is a wonderfully exciting industry but it is also one of the first to be affected by economic downturns and as we have now witnessed, a global pandemic.

What 3 tips would you give advice to others in the same situation?

1. You need to have a plan B. A plan that allows you to transition your type of work or be able to work outside of aviation. My advice to young pilots is also to learn something else and have it up your sleeve.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.

3. Be bothered, try not to dwell, and get on with it.