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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Married to a Pilot

January 18, 2014 by Katie Haller

Being married to a pilot is a different lifestyle than most marriages.  I didn’t know anything at all about aviation or the pilot industry before I met my husband.  All I knew was that pilots had free airline travel, which I thought sounded pretty great.  What I have learned is that there is so much more to the career than anyone else would understand.

Whenever my husband and I are out together, meeting new people, they always ask us what we do for a living.  I’ll say “I am a director at a preschool” and their response is “oh that’s nice”.  When my husband responds with, “I’m an airline pilot”,  their face lights up, as if they have just met a celebrity or something.  They immediately respond with a line of questions like “oh wow, who do you fly for?  How long have you been flying?  Where did you learn how to do that?  Where do you fly to?  Do you fly internationally?  Are you the pilot or the co-pilot? Are you gone a lot?  Do you have one route you fly every time?  Have you ever flown one of the big planes?” People always seem to be so intrigued with his job, which they should be, it’s a pretty awesome job that not everyone can do, but the truth is it’s not as glamorous of a job as everyone thinks it is.  It comes with a lot of setbacks and low pay before you can finally land that dream job, which for most pilots would be a legacy airline, like American or Delta.
I’m pretty lucky compared to most pilot wives because I see my husband every day.  He has enough seniority at his company, that he can work a schedule that allows him to be home every day.  He prefers to work at night.  He leaves in the evening, fly’s somewhere, spends the night, fly’s back and is home by 9am.  A lot of pilots commute to their bases and work long trips where they’re on the road for 4 days at a time.  I do know that this schedule won’t last forever.  When upgrades or new jobs come his way in the future, I might be one of those pilot wives missing their husbands all the time.
We are not a typical pilot couple.  Not only do I get to see my husband all the time, but we live in our home state.  Actually, we only live a few miles away from where we both grew up.  We didn’t plan on that, but somehow we are still here.  That almost changed a year ago.  My husband has been with his current company for almost 6 years.  He has been applying for other jobs ever since he started.  It’s been such a roller coaster ride at his current company.  He was always looking for a way to make more money and advance with his career.  For a regional first officer, you have 2 options. 1.) Accept the low pay and wait your turn or 2.) Get a job overseas.

Last year, we were exploring option # 2, and it almost happens.  My husband went to Dubai for a job interview last April, it came really close for us.  The job offered great pay and benefits, but it didn’t end up happening.  He got cut in the final stages of the interview.  We were disappointed, but at the same time, I was relieved.  I wanted him to get the job, but I also wanted what was right for us.  At the time I thought that job was the answer.  Now, I feel that it didn’t happen for a reason.

A few months later, he interviewed for another job in Dubai.  This time it was a corporate pilot job, which is very different than airline flying.  He turned it down.  Even though it offered great pay, the schedule wasn’t great and the job was too unstable for us to make that huge move.  After we made that decision, he had another corporate job interview.  This time it was in Macau, China.  Initially, he didn’t get the job, but months later we woke up to an e-mail asking him when he could start.  It caught us off guard.  We had already accepted that we would be staying in the United States, but it was a great job opportunity, we didn’t want to shoot it down too fast.  In the end, he turned down the job.  It came down to what we wanted for our future.  What would make us happy?  Would we be happy not having to worry about money and living in China or living frugally in America?  We did a lot of thinking, but in the end, we decided we are happy here and we can wait for the airline industry to get better.

I know that we never ended up moving, but that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t hard to make these decisions.  I learned a lot about Dubai and Macau.  It has definitely opened my mind to new things.  A couple years ago, I would of never said I would move to the Middle East.  But now, I can honestly say that I would with the right job.

Even though it’s not always easy to be married to a pilot, I wouldn’t change it!  I feel that we have a stronger marriage because of it.  Even though we have had to struggle with money in order for us to both pursue our careers, it has been worth it.  There is so much more to life than money.

I love my pilot and I’m so happy that I get to spend my life with him.

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Filed in: Living Life • by Katie Haller • 1 Comment

Comments

  1. Ashley

    June 30, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    Things happen for a reason! We played around with so many of those same ideas… moving abroad just wasn't going to work for us though. My husband doesn't like telling people he's a pilot, because then all of those questions come next. He'll usually say something along the lines of "I work for an airline" and then he'll tell if they ask further questions. It's funny how people perceive being a pilot as such a glamorous thing when it's not quite that way in real life.

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Hi I'm Katie! Welcome to my blog! I am on a mission to help women build a wardrobe that they love without spending a lot of money doing it. I believe that everyone has the right to feel good in their outfit, no matter what your budget is! I am excited to have you here!
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Katie || Affordable Fashion
I look forward to my PM skincare routine every nig I look forward to my PM skincare routine every night! It's probably my favorite time of the day!! Here is what I am currently using!

Products are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Follow @thriftywifehappylife for all the details! Also check out my blog post today! I am sharing my daily mom beauty routine! Every is linked in my bio! 

#pmskincare #skincare #skincareroutine #versedskincare #cerave #momselfcare #momlife #affordableskincare #affordablebeauty #michiganblogger #momstyleblogger
🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤 I just 🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤

I just realized that I don't think that I have missed a daily outfit post in 2023 yet. That means that I have shared every outfit that I have worn so far this year, which is pretty good! 

I have always loved sharing my real life daily outfits. I always shared my work outfits when I was teaching preschool, but after I stopped working it was harder for me to stay consistent on sharing my daily outfits because I didn't think my SAHM outfits were "instagram worthy". Last year I decided that I should try sharing a round up in a reel to show what I actually wore on a daily basis and it's been so fun ever since! 

So many of you told me that you found me through these reels and that makes me so happy! I hope these outfits help you step up your daily style even if you are only potty training a toddler that day. (Like I am at the moment 🤣) 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits!

#wiw #sahmstyle #momoutfit #momstyle #momfashion #momiform #momootd #momiform #themominfluencers #momstyleblogger #sahmlife #casualstyle #michiganblogger #midweststyle #winteroutfits #everydayoutfits
Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an o Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an overnight staycation without the kids. I wanted an outfit that was practical for the cold weather and the afternoon, but also something I could wear out for a nice dinner later on in the evening. This is what I decided on...

✨ I like wearing bodysuits under my clothes in the winter. They help keep me warm and also cover up any skin that might show through when you sit. 

✨ My plum sweater from @gibsonlook transitioned perfectly from day to night. (Use code: THRIFTYWIFE10 for 10% off!)

✨ For pants and shoes I wore @express skinny jeans for day time. They work best with my Chelsea boots. Then for night I wanted to wear my favorite lightwash straight leg jeans (old) with heels. 

✨ Cute outerwear is so important in the winter. You have to layer up when it's cold and you plan on walking around outside. I found my camel wool coat to be warm, especially with my hat and scarf. I also wore thick boot socks to keep my feet and ankles warm! 

Head over to the @shop.ltk app to shop this look! You can either download the free shopping app and follow @thriftywifehappylife or go to the link in my bio! 

#ltkstyletip #datenightoutfit #dateday #valentinesdayoutfit #winterdateoutfit #winteroutfits #winterstyle #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits #momoutfitinspo #outfitideasforyou
Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent clos Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent closing clean out. I go through my closet seasonally to get rid of the clothes that aren't getting worn, but at the end of last year I felt like my closet had an overload of clothes and I needed to do a major refresh! 

I ended up parting ways with a lot of clothes, but there were some that I keep every time I do a clean out because they are my favorites and still hold their value in my wardrobe. 

✨Little black dress- I bought in 2011 for my rehearsal dinner. 
✨ Polka- dot blouse from @lclaurenconrad I bought in 2014. 
✨Metallic skirt- I bought this in 2011 to wear for Christmas Eve. 
✨ Chambray button down shirt. I bought it in 2014 at Target and I haven't found a better one to replace it with. 
✨ Thrifted @oldnavy denim jacket. These just get better with wear! 
✨ Gold strappy sandals I bought in 2007 to wear to a fraternity formal in college. They still get worn when I need a fun shoe! 

What is the oldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? 

#cleaningoutmycloset #closetcleanout #shoppingyourwardrobe #shopyourcloset #wearitloveit #thriftythursday #weartheclothes #styleinspo
As you can see, shopping is challenging with a tod As you can see, shopping is challenging with a toddler, so let me help you shop! I'll take one for the team and bring my 2-year-old in the fitting rooms with me so you don't have to! 😉

Here's what I found at @target this week 👇🏻

✨A New Day High-Rise Slim Straight Leg Ankle Pants- Brown- 2- This is a great dress pant option.  They have elastic in the back so the stretch. They fit TTS.  No petite length available. 
✨Universal Thread Realax fit button-down-shirt- White and Navy striped- Small- Both these color tops are going on my spring wish list! I love the relax fit and the material! They fit TTS! $25
✨Universal Thread High-Rise Slim Straight Fit Jeans- 2/regular- I am loving the fit and style of these jeans! So cute for spring! They fit TTS! $28
✨A New Day Striped Long sleeve T-shirt- Small- This is a great t-shirt.  I love the boxy fit. It comes in other colors. Fits TTS! $12
✨A New Day Blazer- xsmall- This blazer caught my eye. The material is great for spring. It fits TTS. It is currently not available on the website, but I will link it when it becomes available. 
✨A New Day Cami- small- I actually already own this cami! It’s one of my favorite spring tops! Perfect to layer a blazer or cardigan over. 
✨A New Day Slide Sandals- 7 ½- Cute slide sandals for spring! I love the little heel! They fit TTS!
✨A New Day Mule Heels- 7 ½- I love the straps on these heels.  They are very comfortable! Available in multiple colors. 
✨Universal Thread Triple Compartment crossbody purse- Love this crossbody bag! If you are looking to downsize your mom purse this is it! It has 3 compartments and the strap makes it easy to wear. 

Details are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Find the link to it in my bio! 

#targettryon #targetfinds #targetstyle #targetdoesitagain #springstyle #affordablefashion #shoppingideas #wearitloveit #momstyle #michiganblogger #shoppingonabudget
This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagra This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagram friends to bring you some Valentine’s Day outfit ideas! ❤️ We will be sharing outfits all week long so make sure you are following along! I know you will find some great ideas! 👇🏻

Monday- @thriftywifehappylife and @asimplelifeblog 
Tuesday- @getschooledinfashion 
Wednesday- @mrssarahgoodman 
Thursday- @momthechaoscoordinator 
Friday- @corriellington 

Today is my day! I'm sharing 3 Valentine’s Day looks for different occasions! 
Look 1- Wear to volunteer in the classroom party
Look 2- Wear on a date night or girls night out. 
Look 3- Wear to work!

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#valentinesdayoutfit #vdayoutfit #outfitideas #outfitinspiration #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #styleover35 #momstyle #simpleoutfits #michiganblogger
What I wore as a SAHM this week! This week my out What I wore as a SAHM this week!

This week my outfits are all over the place because that's how our week was. Plus I have a bonus outfit so I thought I would share where I wore these outfits! 

Monday- Home with a sick kid
Tuesday- Home and school pick up
Wednesday- Home for a snow day
Thursday- Home for snow day number 2
Friday- Ran errands aka went to Target 🎯
Saturday afternoon- Dropped off kids with my in-laws and went to Canada 🇨🇦 for a little staycation/date night at @caesarswindsor with my husband. 
Saturday night- Dinner and drinks
Sunday- Picked up kids and preparing for the week ahead. 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits! 

#sahmstyle #sahmoutfit #momoutfits #momootd #wiw #realoutfitgram #whatiwore #momstyle #outfitinspiration #outfitinspo #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #michiganblogger #michiganmoms
I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my s I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my stories and you guys loved it! It's my favorite heart sweatshirt because it's neutral colors so I get to wear it year round, but I especially love wear it around Valentine's Day! 

Here are some ways I've worn it! 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨Find it on my Amazon storefront! The link is in my bio! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#amazonfinds #heartsweater #valentinesoutfit #valentinesdayoutfit #outfitideas #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits
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