[Long commutes to units?]

@nunya Correct; I was selected for a pilot slot. I'm expecting the typical 5 ~ 6 days a month at the unit [since that's what I have researched is normal for a new guy], but I'll be ready for however many days is expected of me if more are needed.

@nunya @EvilEagle So the one trip a month to a typical unit in a consecutive stretch of 5 ~ 6 days is unrealistic? I imagine this is due to aircraft availability for maintenance [among other reasons]? Even if a consecutive stretch isn't going to happen, I'm already less than two hours from the unit so no worries on my part for driving. I'll shift gears and apply for a civilian career locally.

@SocialD You bring a good point. The ol' adage of just because you can, doesn't mean you should. About the priority level, it definitely has been odd for me throughout this process to come to grips with how family centered the units I've visited and been hired by are. I've been working for years at earning a slot, thinking along the way they'd want your commitment to the unit prioritized above all else indefinitely. Once I started meeting pilots of these units in person I quickly realized how supportive they are of a family/civilian life, which is incredible considering they've already been gracious enough by selecting me.

[Long commutes to units?]

I’ve searched the threads, but can’t find quite what I’m looking for.

My question is, what’s it like to live about nine hours or more from your unit? I got hired at a unit in one state, but have a great civilian career opportunity in another state. Also, the unit does allow out of state commuters. Serving the unit comes first and that’s the priority, but I’d like to have a loose idea of a “plan” for the coming civilian side of my life in the upcoming years after training.

For those of you who have a far commute to the unit, or have knowledge of others who do, what’s it like? I’m talking about in the ways of weather, stress, work/life balance, finances. Is it not too bad for 20 years, or would it be miserable after awhile even if it’s once a month? Would commuting via airline and rental car be better, or would driving? Is commuting for civilian airline pilots easier because they can jumpseat compared to non-airline pilots who commute via airline?