rudder_authority
And this is why flying professionally is not for everyone. For those who dreamed of flying since they could walk - or remember it at least - they will follow through and make that dream happen (subject to other life matters of course) and they are likely the ones who will survive crises' and accept the terms and conditions required to fulfill that dream. Is it always easy in aviation? Definitely not - it's mostly a learning and humbling experience - but it's also a very rewarding job in its own unique way - if you have the capacity to enjoy it, that is. I've seen plenty of "pilots" who got the licenses and then hit the wall - ended up giving up on flying (after spending the cash) - simply because they lived on an illusion of what flying is - it's not a desk job and you can't hide behind your desktop if thing don't go your way. It's not a career for anybody. If money is the primary drive or concern - then chances are that a professional pilot career is not the right job for you - you need a certain dedication and "drive" to make it all work out.