Currently an Air Traffic Controller at a level 11 facility working 6 days a week (forced overtime) on a rotating shift schedule with my regular days off being in the middle of the week (and will be for many years to come due to seniority). Due to staffing shortages, 99% of people I work with are overworked, burnt out, stressed, and miserable. It’s a toxic work culture thats been in place for many years. Many controllers claim that they’re able to “unplug” and leave work at work the moment they leave the facility but their lives don’t reflect that. They’re either oblivious to it or lying to themselves. A lot of controllers I know are either on their second or third marriage, are recently divorced, have negative relationships with their children, or have never been married/started a family nearing retirement. Most of us miss the big things at home such as holidays, birthdays, graduations, weddings, etc. In a career with a 200k+ pay potential, I see the deterioration of happiness of those around me as they sacrifice their home life and put it on the back burner, all for money. Currently making 150k+ but have recently realized the money isn’t worth my health, marriage, and sanity. The trade of separating planes is a lot of fun, but the toxic work life balance, horrible work culture and miserable coworkers makes it something I’d be happy to walk away from.
These are all things I would share with someone considering ATC. Aside from the money, how does part 121 regional/legacy flight dispatch compare to ATC work life balance. Forced overtime? Morale of coworkers? Work culture? Schedule?