Living Out a bag, Good or Bad?

Merry Christmas by the way!

Many people think that being a pilot is simply wonderful and are envious of the job, but behind such pomp is the weight we have to bear. Living out of suitcase, is one of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of this job. We usually do not unpack. I do not sleep in the same bed. When I go on vacation, I have to pack my bags again so that other pilots can use the room that I stayed in. There are many times when I lose things, and I forget where I leave them. I always have to think about check-in baggage limitation of 20kgs, so if I want to buy something I literally have to throw away something in my bag.

When I was feeling depressed, there were times when I hated my job. My friends have their own nest, have relationships for a long time, go to the same church every week, and have a deeper relationship with people they meet. They also get know when they will travel the next year so they can buy cheap plane tickets in advance.

On the contrary, pilots always move around. The word 'settled' seems to be foreign to me. The schedule may change suddenly tomorrow, so I might have to wrap this writing up now and pack up tonight. I can not easily meet family and friends I want to see. My mum calls me a wanderer.

However,

You can also think positively.

As I travel around here and there like a wanderer, there are some positive things to come. First of all, I can pack my bag in 10 minutes. (Because I've done it too many times)

I do not have to be anxious at the airport because I know the rules of the airport/checkin/airlines etc. Because I have been on so many flights, I do not have to hold the hands of the person sitting next to me in fear.

Here is one thing that I think is the most important thing in life. "Experiences"

Others spend a lot of money and time traveling, but for pilots it's a little easier for them. We see more and experience more. The opportunities to explore the world is there. They are valuable and priceless. As I started working in Papua, I realised how special I am and that I have a special job. I am grateful that I was born in a good country, received a good education under great parents, and had many jobs to choose from. I began to appreciate things more and became a happy person. I seem to be able to grow more personally.

My life in two bags!

I remember my dad bought me two suitcases to take back to Indonesia, he said “Go explore the world”. Compared to the experiences I have enjoyed and the experiences I will enjoy in the future, the disadvantages listed above are simply not comparable.

On top of Bulusaraung at sunrise

"Everybody experiences far more than they understand. Yet it is experience, rather than understanding, that influences behaviour."

- Marshall McLuhan

Causal day off!