I've got 500 hours and fly in the Bay all the time. It stopped being "work" a long time ago, and now it doesn't concern me at all to fly wherever I want to go.

I've got 500 hours and fly in the Bay all the time. It stopped being "work" a long time ago, and now it doesn't concern me at all to fly wherever I want to go. I wouldn't think twice about flipping on the mic and telling ATC what I want or need. The money I will never get back and I'm still not sure it's worth it. But I sure have enjoyed the ride!