What is flight school and early pilot life realistically like for someone unsure about aviation?
I’m 18 and currently considering becoming a pilot because my dad believes it’s a stable, well-paying career with good long-term prospects. I like the idea of travel, independence, and financial stability, but I honestly don’t know much about what the actual lifestyle is like.
I also have a history of anxiety/depression and recently found out I’m neurodivergent, so I’m trying to realistically understand whether this career would suit me long-term rather than idealizing it.
What is flight school actually like day-to-day? How stressful is pilot training mentally and socially? What does life in your early 20s look like while training and starting out?
I think one of my fears is sacrificing all spontaneity/youth for a very rigid career path, so I’d appreciate honesty rather than just encouragement.
Would especially appreciate answers from people who entered aviation young or who are neurodivergent themselves.
I'm not based in the US!!! South-asian country.