I've been in the business for 23 years, give or take a few years when I was forced to leave and do something else (Software Development for Apple Computer) which involved working "9 to 5" in an office and seeing the same old faces in the same old traffic jams every morning and every evening. I did'nt stick that for long. I came straight back and am still working in the wind, rain, snow and sunshine and enjoy every minute. Pinpusher's posts reflect exactly how it is and the challenges and rewards are there everyday if you look for them. We get plenty of respect from pilots and cabin crew but self respect is something that you generate yourself. As for Jetfueldrinkers question about concessions. Yes, we get concessions offered from many of our customers. I love the job that I do. It pays well enough in comparison to many other jobs and better than a lot of piloting jobs. I can afford a nice new car for myself and the missus, a nice house in the country, holidays in nice places etc.. that many of my friends who are pilots cannot because they are saddled with huge loans that they had to take out for their training and are still repaying!
[This message has been edited by HiSpeedTape (edited 10 June 2001).]