Torn Between Aviation and Computer Science: Seeking Advice from the Aviation Community

[TheeFlyast]

Hey there! It’s my first post here, and I hope it’s in the right place.
I’m an 18-year-old college student in Ontario and currently facing a dilemma. I’m hoping that the wise folks here could guide me toward a good path.

I’ve been accepted into Confederation College’s Flight Management program for this fall, as well as into a Computer Science program at a university in Ottawa. Although I’ve always been passionate about flying from a young age, I’d be lying if I said that passion hasn’t dwindled over the past few years, especially after learning about the pay scales and quality-of-life sacrifices that come with being a commercial/airline pilot. I despise the payscale-driven system in the airlines, where seniority often outweighs skill and dedication. I’m also concerned about the financial stability and work-life balance in this career. I feel that this passion could be satisfied by piloting my own small plane, financed by a career outside aviation.

On the other hand, while I’m not as passionate about CS as I am about aviation, I can be good at it. I like coding and problem-solving, and I’ve been drawn to a career in technology for the vast opportunities it offers. I can see myself working in that field in the future, even if it’s not my ultimate dream. And as nice as living in Thunder Bay is, I crave the lifestyle and exposure that come with living in a big, diverse city like Ottawa. I’m looking for more social opportunities, cultural diversity, and career networking, which I feel a big city can provide.

But by going to university and missing out on the flight program, I feel I lose the advantage of starting flight training at a young age. On the other hand, I could reapply to the flight program after completing the CS degree in 4 years, but of course, there’s no guarantee I’ll be given a seat then..

So that’s where I’m at: I’m torn between two paths. On one hand, I could jump right into the subsidized flight program, but I’d miss out on the exposure and growth that come with studying and living in a big city. On the other hand, I could go to Ottawa and study Computer Science, which offers a lot of opportunities and a lifestyle I’m drawn to, but it could mean postponing flight training for another 4 years—with no guarantee I’ll get a seat in the program later.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice. For those of you in the industry, do you think starting flight training young is worth the sacrifices, or is it better to pursue a more stable career first and keep flying as a passion? And for those who’ve faced similar decisions, how did you choose, and do you have any regrets?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom. I really appreciate it!

[lownslow]

Don’t worry about where you’ll be for schooling. Yes, the time spent will represent a significant percentage of your lifespan by the time you graduate but as the years go by that percentage diminishes.

I once found myself in a similar position to yours and what I did was talk to as many people as I could from both fields. It’s important to hear the good and the bad from them and make a point to get their complaints. Find someone miserable in each career if you can. Try and see which of these people you identify with the most and expect that you would have the same outlook on things as they do.

[180DRVR]

That's a hard one to answer for anybody but you. Some Pros and Cons are much bigger then others so only you can decide. By going the CS Degree route initially you'll have something other then a general aviation Flt Mgmt Diploma that is really only good in the Aviation Industry. A Degree on a resume gives you options outside of aviation and then if flying for a major is something you decide you want to do, the degree gives you a few points from the HR person on the hiring panel (as does an aviation diploma from an accredited college like Confed, not sure about all the career colleges at every airport) .
A huge factor in all of this is finances which I don't believe you mentioned, non of our business. Ideally in your case because you have hesitations about the profession's wages and working conditions (WAWCON) and maybe are a little less passionate about it then you once were, a CS degree might be a good path with the ability to fly on the side spread out over a few years if you find you still want to fly.
Put simpler ...Con College paints you into a corner (pilot or aviation support). Your UofOttawa path gives you many options and you can still be a pilot if you decide (professional or recreation).
An 18 yr old that knew a 100% he/she wants to be a pilot I would say Con college is the way. Quick in and out (2-3yrs with delays), a bit cheaper and then go bang off a Multi IFR at Cornwall or similar and head North.
I don't know anything about Computer Science but if you did decide to fly after the fact... are there any possibilities of side gigs in CS?
Just an opinion
Good Luck!

[fish4life]

Aviation is cyclical and can be difficult for work life balance but have you looked into what’s happening in the tech sector right now?

[Ash Ketchum]

I have done both. Did CS and worked for major tech companies and now a major airline pilot. Both careers are cyclical and have their pros and cons. If it were 3-4 years ago I would definitely recommend CS over flying but with the latest advancements in AI, offshoring, and higher interest rates flying is actually more in demand these days.

[5x5]

There’s no answer to your question, really. If it truly is (and only you know that) a toss up, then just flip a coin because there’s no absolute way to choose because no one can accurately predict the future.

The real key is, whichever you choose commit to it 100% and do the very best you can both through your education/training and then on-job performance.

Success doesn’t come from the initial decision of what career to pursue, but from the steady, continuous effort to do whatever you finally choose to the best of your ability.

[digits_]

Why not do both? You don't need an aviation college program to learn to fly. Do the computer science stuff at university, and fly on the side if you can make that work financially. Start out privately, see if you like it. Then schedule some sim sessions at 3 am and see if you still like it.

I can almost guarantee you, if you don't go to university now, you never will.
If you don't pick up flying now, and you still like it, you'll likely pick it up later.

And yes, the job market for experienced pilots is now much better than the job market for junior tech people, but that can be completely different in 2 months time.

[JasonE]

My daughter left aviation early in her training to do CS / programming. Everything is going offshore, she's out of work only been able to get short contract stuff lately. She would have been better off right now as a pilot. But that could change soon? Do what you love the most.