Worked one full time and one part time job to pay for flying lessions while in college (maybe why I didn't do well). Bailed out of aeronautical engineering but had a commercial, instrument ticket.
Moved back to Southern California. Got my multi, CFI, CFII, MEI. Worked as an independent instructor while going to community college aviation program.
After 1200 instruction given, 1800 TT, I got my first 135 cargo job. Lasted 4 months and got hired on at Amerflight in Burbank. After 20 months there, I left AMF for an air ambulance job. They lost their contract after 6 months.
I was recruited as a direct entry captain at a commuter in 1990. That lasted about 6 months before Eastern shut down and took out the commuter airline with it. I got another DEC at a New England commuter and stayed almost four years. This is when I got an AS degree from Embry Riddle. Had to stop my BS program when the airline shut down.
I did a pay for training gig to become a DC-8 FO and worked for a defunct DC-8 operator as a FO and upgraded to captain at 29. As I could see the writing on the wall, I applied for and was hired by my current employer in 1996.
Over the last 18 years, I seen my company's fortunes go up and down. We're again in a big down mode. I will be downgraded to FO next month and will be at the bottom of our active seniority list.