However I have worked in commercially pressurised positions, and considering the money payed out in the Airlines, do not feel that Aircrew, or Captains have such a tough time.
You may not think so, but aircrew, and captains in particular are paid for the responsibility they take on their shoulders. How many other 'Managers on £60k' a year do you know that take the lives of hundreds of people in their hands each time they go to work? How many of them have to make decisions, perhaps only once in a career (but they have to be ready to make that decision at ANY time on ANY flight) that could not only affect the safety of the flight, but could, if they get it wrong, lead to the failure of the company? Not many I would guess.
I have had these issues thrown at me before and the above is always the answer I give, usually with the reply comparing us to doctors. Well, I would argue that only Surgeons and Casualty doctors have a similar role, as the average doctor can practice within his limits and as soon as he is not sure, he refers the case on to a specialist, who does the same, refering it to a more experienced specialist, who does the same, refering it to the Professor who is the expert in his field.
Doctors are paid for the responsibility they take in knowing their stuff and making correct decisions, the difference being if they are unsure they can pass the problem up the line. We cannot. We manage, we keep our knowledge current, we are checked on this every six months, we hope we will never have to use it, but just one day in our careers we may have very limited time to make a decision......and low and behold if we get that decision wrong......
PP