A Pilot's Wife...

Back when Kevin and I were dating, I distinctly remember discussing what being a pilot's wife would be like. Kevin knew he had to make sure his future wife understood the lifestyle (even though he didn't really know himself). He had a pilot's license when we met, but he was just beginning to start flying for hire. He had been flying skydivers to build his flight time, but did not go on trips. So, we would spend many hours discussing what "our" life might be like. He knew he had to find someone very independent and strong because they would be running the household in his absence. His future wife would have to be capable of making decisions in his absence and be prepared to attend special events without him. Holidays were a luxury and could not be guaranteed off. But, even though this particular career choice dictates many sacrifices, the benefits were plentiful. Flight benefits all over the world on almost any airline. The capability of leaving his work at the workplace and of course, the pay.

So here we are into Kevin's eighth year of being a pilot and my fifth year of being a pilot's wife and this is the way I now see it.

Yes, I have had to be independent and strong. A pilot's wife is not a job for the lonely, or the overly worried. I spend almost half my days without him. I think that is why my girlfiends and my hobbies are so important to me. Without them, I would go insane with loneliness and boredom. I run the household pretty much on my own and just let Kevin know when I need help. Of course, we make major decisions together, but all in all, he leaves most of it up to me. I have learned to be flexible on the holidays. It is a treat when he has a holiday off. In fact, this Thanksgiving is the first year he has had three days off. We are thrilled! I have attended many, many events and holidays without him and usually do fine unless it is a wedding or Christmas and then I am sad and lonely. :)

Now you have probably thought that I have made Kevin's career sound dreadful and you wouldn't dare think of suggesting it to anyone you know. Not so!!! One of the absolute best parts of Kevin's job is having weekdays off. Yesterday, we went and ran errands and had a fabulous time. Do you know how different an experience Wal-mart can be on a Wednesday at noon as opposed to a Saturday? How about the Outlet Mall on a Wednesday where the only people you see are other SAHMs with strollers and a few senior citizens? You can have lunch and let your child play on the playground and love life. This is when we truly enjoy Kevin's job and the it's ability to let me stay home. Once, we added up all of the days Kevin had off per year and compared it to a teacher. Guess who has more days off? A pilot! Amazing.

The other major payoff in the airline industry is that when Kevin's trip ends, his work ends. He does not bring anything home. When he is at home, he is truly at home and usually it is four three straight days. It is very nice.

I never thought I would enjoy being home alone without him. I love my husband and miss him when he is gone, but life sort of changes when he is at work. Dinners are simpler, the house stays cleaner, and I pretty much do my own thing. It is nice for a couple of days and then I am ready for him to come back.

One thing we did not ever discuss in those late night talks was the economy and the cyclical nature of the industry. Kevin was well aware of it, but when he got hired, times were good and we just didn't think like that. Well, as you all know, times are not the same. Hopefully this is just part of the cycle and soon we will be back on the upswing.

A Pilot's wife....it is a great life!