I remember at my first flying job about 3 years ago, there was a guy (who I am still mates with) who I first met when he started working there.
Like all of us, he was working a 40hr. week, including weekends, no sick pay, no holidays and not even super or work cover for the huge salary of $17,000pa.
From day 1, he always turned up for work, un-ironed shirt (bit hard when you live in ya car), sand shoes etc. etc. The boss said to him after a month, you need to look more professional. Gotta love him when he answered, "when you treat me like a professional, I will act like one". Of course a few weeks later he got the ass.
Is aviation even a profession? Do I consider that I have a profession - Nope, just a bum with a fancy job title.