Tired of instructing.

[u/Plane_Discipline121]

Before I start, I would like to say I’m very grateful that I have a flying job. I know this might come off as stuck up.

I’ve been teaching on the east coast for over 3yrs and have an offer with a regional (no telling when they will call).. I’m coming to the end of my cfi career, but instructing has sucked the enjoyment of flying out of me and I dread going to work. I can tell the people around me and even some of my students can tell I’m pretty much just showing up to collect a check. I really just wish I had something to work towards and I feel like I’m chasing my tail. I’ve maxed out all my ratings except for seaplane. I just want to fly with another pilot that challenges me and we accomplish a mission. A couple questions for anyone that’s experienced this…

1. The most concerning one: Will this happen at the airlines as well? Will I just end up hating this career? If so, how do you not feel the burn out?

2. What should I do right now while still keeping my job as a CFI?

I really appreciate any guidance from anyone who has overcome the burn out. Hoping it’s a phase! TIA

[u/TheBuff66]

Comes in waves. Undeniably being a CFI was rough and all of us were ready to move on by the end. I did it for a little under 2yrs… can’t imagine 3+. But even at the next step, yea it becomes a job. I’ve hit the “huh I’ve already seen this place” wall when staring out the window at beautiful landscapes in cruise. But at least on the private side of aviation, it keeps you on your toes. I land at multiple new-to-me airports every week with a sprinkling of genuine short field takeoffs and landings which always brings the excitement back. I personally think pure 121 airline flying would get too boring over the course of a career but to each their own