FAMS physical and mental health

[kbm6893]

I've gotten tons of good info from this board. I've also been to the FAMS Delphi forum. Over there, the posts are overwhelmingly negative. Guys talking about major physical health issues, not being able to get a day off even months in advance, impending divorce, etc.

I know that forum has a lot of malcontents, but is the job really that bad? Are there guys with five years flying having serious health conditions? Are you really that miserable?

I know everybody is different, and weak marriages won't survive such a weird lifestyle, but mine is rock solid (at least right now). I'm in the pipeline for the FAMS, but there's no guarantee I'll be hired. The money would be substantial, and I'd be able to double dip with my PD pension and the new fed pension. The wife is totally with me taking the job of it was offered since it would enable us to live a better lifestyle and buy a home. Is it really that bad?

[Maverick24]

Like any job, FAMS is what you make of it. ALL jobs LE or Not have malcontents and those who complain no matter what the pay or working conditions. Does the agency have issues? Sure. So do all Fed agencies to an extent. Many of these issues in FAMS have either been fixed or addressed. Does it warrent some of the crazy comments on Delphi? Not in my opinion. Personally I love the job, but I knew what it was when I signed up. I understood the long hours, travel, and the fact that I will be paid to FLY. Some of the guys on delphi apperently did not. Now I agree there are some legitimate gripes on delphi, but most are way out in left field. Personally I stopped going there a long time ago because I dont need to read the incessant whining and negativity that goes on there 24/7. That is just my .02 as I dont want you to think those guys are in any way representitive of the FAM service as a whole. Good Luck with everything!

[Big Sexy]

I've gotten tons of good info from this board. I've also been to the FAMS Delphi forum. Over there, the posts are overwhelmingly negative.

That was your first mistake. That site is nothing but malcontents, has-beens and never-will-be's. And you can tell them BIG SEXY said so.

Guys talking about major physical health issues, not being able to get a day off even months in advance, impending divorce, etc.

Let's start this the last claim. Divorce. In the law enforcement field, divorce is traditionally high and not a phenomenon specific to the FAMS. Months in advance, yes, you can get a day off. It's the last minute days off which are the problem. Days off. Anyone who says they can't get a day off, months in advance, is a liar. Health. BIG has heard the talk about Fams and their health. BIG has known a couple who have had sinus issues. But, in BIG's experience, it was not wide spread in his office.

I know that forum has a lot of malcontents, but is the job really that bad?

No.
[QUOTE=kbm6893;704296] Are there guys with five years flying having serious health conditions? Are you really that miserable? There may be a few, but it isn't as wide spread as that site would lead you to believe. If they're that miserable and still there, after 5 years, then they are idiots. Don't you think?

I know everybody is different, and weak marriages won't survive such a weird lifestyle, but mine is rock solid (at least right now). I'm in the pipeline for the FAMS, but there's no guarantee I'll be hired. The money would be substantial, and I'd be able to double dip with my PD pension and the new fed pension. The wife is totally with me taking the job of it was offered since it would enable us to live a better lifestyle and buy a home. Is it really that bad?

BIG is no longer with the FAMS, that is no secret. BIG was a Fam for just shy of 4 years. While there, BIG enjoyed it and was far from miserable. BIG spent 4 hours at the local FAMS office last week and the guys BIG spoke with, were far from miserable. BIG has known some Fams who returned to their previous employers and of those, some who are looking to go back to the FAMS. Like any and everything, it is what you make of it. Lifestyle wise, it is very difficult. The flying does wear you out, trust BIG when he tells you. BIG is sure the current Fams will chime in on this.

[kbm6893]

I know the Delphi forums are a bunch of malcontents. I just wanted to hear from guys without the serious bias I see over there.

I see it like this: Many jobs entail tons of traveling. My best friend's dad and sister are airline pilots. I know several flight attendants, as well as salemen and bankers who are away from home 10-15 nights a month. Yeah, it's hard sometimes, but it's also hard working a 9-5 job and not being able to keep up with the bills or being able to deal with the unexpected bills because every dollar you make is earmarked for something.

I'm a school teacher now and I like my job, but the bills are tough to deal with and I'd make a hell of a lot more money as a FAM than as a teacher. At this point, it's up to fate. If it was meant to be, I'll take the job. If not, I'll continue to enjoy my summers off!

Thanks for the honest info, guys!

[InternBoy]

as one of the current FAMs who hang around these parts, I agree with BIG. Its a good job, don't listen to delphiforums.

[Postman]

kbm6893,

You are not kidding!I just visited the Delphi FAM site and there is some bashing goin' on there.

[Big Sexy]

kbm6893,

You are not kidding!I just visited the Delphi FAM site and there is some bashing goin' on there.

There is nothing, BIG repeats, nothing to be gained from visiting that site!! It is a very negative site, with very, very nasty people. Any FAMS questions you have, will not be answered in any type of constructive manner. Either ask here or 911, that's if and only if you'd like anything that resembles and answer or encouragement.

Repeat, if you are looking into starting a career with the Federal Air Marshal Service, avoid the delphi site!!!

[kbm6893]

One of the guys who psoted there said his eyeballs were bulging out of his socket, he had chronic ankle and neck pain, he snored extremely liud, had sleep disorders, etc. When he left after four years, he lost weight, and finally regained his health.

I just don't get why people who take the job ***** about the flying all the time. I know several pilots, flight attendents, and investment bankers who are away from home 12-15 nights a week. They don't seem to have as much trouble.

I guess if you really hate it, then get out. At least you would have made a nice living for the time you were there.

[emt_hound]

aaa

[Maverick24]

There is nothing, BIG repeats, nothing to be gained from visiting that site!! It is a very negative site, with very, very nasty people. Any FAMS questions you have, will not be answered in any type of constructive manner. Either ask here or 911, that's if and only if you'd like anything that resembles and answer or encouragement.

Repeat, if you are looking into starting a career with the Federal Air Marshal Service, avoid the delphi site!!!

Well said Big. Nothing more needs to be said about that pathetic waste of a site....