long wait to FO, JFO or whatever it is
is really the last thing that should concern you.
The relationship between the whole company and flight crew is shockingly bad, where massive strategic missteps costing billions are habitually and unfairly heaped on the pilots, staff are abused and shortchanged while our Swire masters take home ever increasing bonuses.
The rostering “system” is unspeakably bad - seniority is practically worthless, inefficiencies are everywhere and consultation and coordination with the aircrew body is zero.
Resignations are rocketing, a 10% turnover is possible.
CoS 18 (conditions of service, 2018) is an affront to decency, paying substandard wages in the world’s most expensive city, so poor that married new joiners are leaving their spouses in their home countries because raising a family on CoS 18 is near impossible.
Labour laws are useless and protections are near zero.
Transfers from the 747 are so rare that once on the 747, resign yourself to a career on type. The shiny new 777 “X” and A350 will never be on your licence. Never.
Pollution in Hong Kong is life-threatening.
If you’re concerned about a five year wait for an upgrade, you’re standing too close to the picture. Step back and look again.