I got into ATC because my girlfriend at the time was trying to pick up this hot butch at the local gay country bar. The flirtation proved unfruitful, but my gf and I visited the woman at work - she was a controller. I had been temping clerical work for nearly minimum wage and I realized this might be the only job I was going to be good at.

So I applied to the training program, and got in. I finished in the top quarter of my class and was able to select where I wanted to be placed. I hired in in 1997. At my new facility I trained for an additional two years, more or less. I've been working for almost 25 years, and I retire this fall.

(Controllers can retire as early as age 50, and MUST retire at age 57. This is why applicants must be under 30 years old.)

It really is the only job that would have ever paid me this much to do something I am this good at, and I am really grateful to my ex for having an eye for a suave butch in cowboy boots.