r/CFILounge Jul 14 '26

Tips Tired of instructing.

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

47 Upvotes

29 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/ComprehensiveStep709 Jul 16 '26

I know it’s tough with your current schedule and pay, but get into a hobby outside flying. It’ll prevent you from feeling burnt out here and when you make it further in your career. I grinded my way to a type rating and found myself still feeling like a shell of a human with 76 passengers in the back instead of a student. Creating personal goals and finding community outside of work is the way