To give some background on some of the contributors here, tell us what you used to do, why you chose the aviation industry and how long you have been in aviation.
Seven years ago I quit driving truck so I could be at home more and have somewhat of a family life. So I went to school and got my M1 . That is where I learned about AIDS. So far, I haven't got it yet
My dad was a pilot and automotive mechanic so I grew up flying and fixing stuff. I really enjoyed fixing things but didn't like the grease, dirt and rusty vehicles, so I figured I would give fixing airplanes a try. I have been doing it for 4 years now and so far I am loving it and luckily working for a great company where they care about family too.
I've done all sorts of silly things.. most of which paid more than aviation. But I still wouldn't go back
A couple years running excavators and other heavy equipment.. even some rock trucks and dozers, always dirty, always either freezing or sunburnt! But the pay was also.. ALWAYS good
I worked in the auto parts industry on and off for about 4 years. Started before I even finished high school.
Was also a member of the local volunteer fire hall.. 10 years with the scouting program and still hold my 2nd degree black belt and used to teach self defense.
If I would have gone any other way.. I'd be building hot rods and tinkering with old cars.. but that pays about as well as aviation does. haha
Always been in the Aviation. Started flying at 12 by my own financial means (cut the grass for a month, go up for an hour kinda thing). Went into cadets (I know...), got the Glider scholarship. The next year (at 16), I was enrolled in the CF as a pilot. I went through RMC in Mech Eng. I did Primary Flight Training (Portage) in 2004 and I'm in Moose Jaw now, doing Basic Flight Training on the Harvard II.
I was in the Infantry as a Jumper. Got my first set of wings (para) at 18. Was a cadet before (air and army) frm 12 on and have always wanted to fly. Flew my first light airplane an AA5 out of YBW when I was 10.
Got a degree then, hit the road for two yrs teaching scuba diving in various places in south east asia and Australia. Came back operating heavy equipment and then decided to bite the bullet and get a line of credit to start flying. So far its working out pretty well but sometimes missing having 40 meters of water over my head.
Belonged to a motorcycle gang in Toronto in between jail time I worked at the airport and got a pilots license.
Now over fifty years later having worked all my life as a pilot I realize the grave mistake I made, had I stayed in the motorcycle gang I would be rich instead of broke from aviation.
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The hardest thing about flying is knowing when to say no
After over a half a century of flying no one ever died because of my decision not to fly.
Among other things I was a baker, it was probably the most rewarding job I ever had because I made something with my own two hands and at the end of the day you could see and touch what you made.
Now everyday I just drive a machine around and you can't tell the difference from beginning/middle/end. The money's better now but the hours aren't. And I never had to worry about getting AIDS when I was baking bread...
Little of this little of that, worked in a lumber yard, drove a lumber truck, IT of many sorts, but nothing gives me the satisfaction of flying, sigh I need to get back to it full time.
Was with law enforcement busting Cat to put him in jail,so I could sell his confiscated dope to bandit1,who in turn would sell it to guys like Adam Oke in grade school and the baker so he could put it in his brownies.
It was alot of work but all in all not quite as much as keeping your MOM satisfied.
I used to operate all sorts of heavy equipment then went into my aviation career! I still operate the heavy equipment from time to time because I like to!
Started flyin' just after I quit pooing my pants and calling it KaKa.
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The average pilot, despite the somewhat swaggering exterior, is very much capable of such feelings as love, affection, intimacy and caring.
These feelings just don't involve anyone else.
I started pumping gas and floats on the weekends while I was still in High School, but I worked in the commercial cod fishery in the summer. There was still cod back then.
. That is where I learned about AIDS. So far, I haven't got it yet 
