That is a little harsh... But realistically, paying for your own rating will almost certainly NOT give you a boost up the geasy pole (but we all know of a few spawny gits who have shimmied up the "Pay for your own rating" pole and got away). Airlines only want people who can fly (Type Rating and THE MOST IMPORTANT - OPERATIONAL TIME ON TYPE!!!) So paying fo your own rating may help, but I doubt it. It will be an unnecessary expense as next month you'll put up a post, "Where does a 250 hour Boeing/Tupolev/Twotter rated pilot get a job?" It also throws a rock the pond off those (like me) who believe that your employer should pay. Best of luck, and don't pay!