Interesting that you don’t give a “rats ass” what a full time employee thinks.
I am a full time employee and the job is fine. For me personally I actually enjoy it. Yes we train during the 13 off days but it’s all explained prior to signing the contract.
Nobody is held down and forced to agree to the terms, which (for me anyway) were made VERY clear at interview.
Yes I do sometimes get asked to go a day early, I’ve said “no” and I’ve said “yes”. It’s been my choice. Personally nobody has come to my house and dragged me from my home a day early. On many of those duties when I’ve said “yes”, I’ve got home a day early too - wonderful stuff.
I’ve been with crew where we’ve refused a duty as we were pretty knackered - zero kick back, just a polite message saying “hope you all get some good rest and thanks for letting us know”.
I’m not saying your “friends” experience is different, but this is first hand “MY” experience.
I have the best work/home balance I’ve ever had, I’ve been flying for 15 years with a mixture of loco airline and biz jet.