I agree with Da Dog.
Flying for a 'low cost' airline is hard work because they are trying to get the most out of their workforce to keep their ticket prices at rock bottom.
Flying short haul for a 'high cost' airline is just as bad because they are now competing with the low cost airlines. Everything at BA Gatwick, is about competing with EasyJet.
In my opinion, flying short haul is no longer a career. You can do it for about 5 years, maybe even 10, but then you have to go long haul. It's like being a stock broker; you do it for a short time, or the lifestyle will kill you.
Why have things become like this? I guess it's because us pilots are not sticking togther enough and saying enough is enough. It does not help when your union reps come out with comments such as, "at least you have still got a job!"