Let’s hear from the pilots  

Did 8.5 years in HAA. For the most part it was pretty good. Mostly decent med crew, ok locations and my pay was good for the industry at the time. ~182 days a year on a 7/7 working 2-4 hours from home.

came across some long line training, started fighting fire then to precision work and never looked back. 8 years in utility now. The paying of dues sucked with a 12/2 but once I got on a rotating schedule utility is my favorite. I'm challenged or interested most days I fly, work 120-140 days a year, last year I made double my best year in EMS and I get to travel on someone else's dime. I use all the free air miles and hotel points to take my wife somewhere nice a few times a year. 

The days of being a slave to a suitcase and working 300+ days a year to make it in utility are just about over. Wit's a decent skill set and reputation you can have work/life balance in utility now.