G SXTY
Great reply but it would be expected from you and few other of the wise heads. Your point 5 was actually better than mine.
But enough of the carefree banter - some straight answers.
Prior to the mid 1990's I'd do it again in a heart beat. Bear in mind that even then the old hands said, with genuine accuracy, that it wasn't the job it was. It was then that we lost slot after slot and went hours into discretion doing baggage ID's. Years later 911 has only formalised and speeded up what was already happening.
Post mid 1990's/911 and under generic UK management working in the 'spirit' of Cap 371 I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. Whether carrying on with previous profession or skills or retraining in a hands dirty trade I would have the time to fly my Jodel and, once re-established, the money to start playing with interesting aircraft of the vintage, warbird or rotary ilk. This is an amateur website in the best sense of the word - I'd love to be an amateur pilot in the best and most enjoyable meaning as well. This thread is here to point out that we suspect many of you would actually be far happier following that route. Especially once you have families - some of you will have or had absent parents and know what I mean. Imagine growing up, every birthday you ever had not, knowing if your mum or dad would be there. Every one of them. You too can be that parent.
If it ends up that there are fewer of you it will, according to market economics, mean that the job will improve or at least slow down the decrements in income, perks and quality of life. In reality it probably just means Reddo will get all her mates over.....
However, a confession, most full time pilots would cheerfully kill to get my Boeing job. It is very different, very demanding at times and I rather like it. The reason - well I don't work as an airline pilot anymore.
Regards
Rob