A jet F/O job with a major airline is a senior position that you have to earn.
Well put ATP-Al. I totally agree with you up to the point about the economic aspects. A typical ab-initio pilot with 200hrs have payed up to 100.000 Euros. How is it possible to fly singles and earn virtually nothing and still pay off his debts?
An expensive education requires a well paid job. Fast. I wouldn't advise anyone to take the route that I did. Working nights and instructing on daytime. I think it's only fair that guys with 200 hrs get hired to fly jets. They certainly gamble on it. The problem here is how this business works, not that the low-houred guys are too demanding.