I am 45 years old, with 13,000 hours and a double digit seniority number. I am a senior captain, flying wide-body Airbus. I could give 15 more years to this industry. But, I have reached the dispirited stage and (mercifully) the dispassionate age where I have decided to 'vote with my feet' and leave aviation for something more meaningful.
My disenchantment has been carefully generated by the tone and style of the airlines I have worked for. I don't want to be treated especially well, and don't need to be revered or applauded. I just want some courtesy and common respect. I am a person of reasonable intelligence, acceptable aptitude and dedicated application. I like to think that I am representative of a good (not perfect) and diligent employee. Sadly it's not enough.
I no longer have much tolerance for demeaning treatment; stupid SOP's; 'dumbing-down' our occupation; and, the creeping, incremental disregard for genuinely well-intentioned employees.