"Slapshot; far too much cool-aid for you. Same for WJman (nothing personal guys… I am sure that you guys would be good guys to go for a pint with) I don’t know what carrier that you worked for overseas but if it didn’t work out for you that is too bad. Working overseas can really open ones eyes to the rest of the world. I have only been overseas for a short period and I am already looking to get my first Porsche (could never dream of that in Canada…"
I don't think I've had too much kool-aid. Just the right amount of respect from the people who employ me... As for where I worked oversea's, I spent 4 years in Hong Kong. 4 years with guys from all over the world. I learned a lot about the way other parts of the world operate and how different it is to work in North America. A Wife and a family will make one appreciate the way things work in North America. Lifestyle and the ability to build a schedule to adapt to the lifestyle one desires...
"... but also lifestyle and pay. To think that WJ can hold a candle to what A/C can offer us is silly. Absurd. I know that all (most?) people at westjet think that they are at the top of the heap, and that is the culture. That is ok... but one has to realize that while they may be number one in a few areas, they really are number two wanting to be number one."
We have been around for 9 soon to be 10 years (Feb. 28 2006). In that time we've made some extraordinary strides. We now fly to more destinations outside of Canada than inside. We have the youngest fleet in the country. We are using the technology to it's fullest. I could go on but you get my gist... We are a progressive, expanding company that is giving the "Traditional" Airlines a run for their money. I think we are winning. The public seems to think so too... Do we have a way to go? Sure, but that's part of the expansion and the wave forward isn't it? People getting on now get to ride that wave.
"We have put too much blood and sweat into this to be paid peanuts. For the responsibility and hard work we all need to be remunerated accordingly."
I agree with you on this point. What I disagree with is your assertion that WestJet is some kind of cheapskate outfit that does not pay. We have some non "traditional" salaries. I'll trade T-4's with anyone who's been in their company the same amount of time that I have. I'll also compare lifestyle. In that dept. I think I'll come out ahead... I've got a good gig, lot's of time off and the spare dosh to get the "toys" that make the time off worthwhile. I also enjoy the airplane I fly, the destinations I fly too and most importantly, the people I fly with. I've no real complaints. Life is good here in Canada, don't kid yourself that it's headed for the toilet...
"A colleague of mine who is close to retiring said that if you are able to get a seat at a legacy carrier, get it, then never let it go."
"Never let it go" would be a neat trick with the bankruptcy's, layoff's and salary rollbacks that have been commonplace in the "Legacy" world... Just ask a United Pilot how his Pension is doing... Or how the Delta Pilot is doing with his Aircraft bid... Before you mention the Asian carrier's - how many pay-scales does Cathay have these days? What are the difference's from one scale to the next? How have changes to the Conditions of Service at Emirates been received?
"But A/C is the proven and they are looking (last I heard, but I am out of the loop)."
Ask an Air Canada Pilot what his salary has done in the last negotiations. Ask what "just about" happened to his Pension... There is still the Pension shortfall to be funded...
"Some can’t hack it and put the blame on ‘the high cost of living overseas’. What they forget is with this higher cost comes a larger disposable income and better lifestyle."
I would argue the "larger disposable income"... With a larger salary come larger demands. What looked like a great salary on paper in Canada, turned out to be a working wage with some saving's once I arrived in Hong Kong. When little mouths came along and their schooling had to be taken care of, the "saving's" portion dwindled considerably... A single guy with his or her eye on an adventure will find it a great experience oversea's, but I would suggest going over with eyes open...
"WJ might be able to provide a ‘decent’ living, and stock options might be working out for some; but there is nothing better than seeing my paycheck with no deductions. None. Two months holidays a year? To start? And making the equivalent of 160k CAD to start?"
I too had a wack of holiday's to start at the outfit I was at, and thought that was pretty good... Until I realized that I was still working 80 hours in the month that I had the leave... It wasn't really "leave" it was an "optimized" schedule so that I had maximum days off for that month. They still got their pound of flesh out of me to the tune of 80 hours and I had the two weeks off for the month. Then on occasion I got the phone call, "So sorry, F/O _____, your leave has been canceled you are required to operate ____. " It goes back to scheduling and lifestyle. My days off and my family are important, I'm not in "indentured servitude" wearing the "golden handcuff's" to a scheduling dept. that has no concept of a life outside the "Company"...
I'm glad you're happy and enjoying your adventure oversea's. I'd be curious what the "power's that be" would do if they found your "Gentleman Jack"... Contraband and a Judge sound like a distinct possibility...
I know many who are happy in the desert. I also know many who wish to be home. Some have left here and yearn to come back. Contracts and debentures force them to stay. Others think it is the lesser of two evils.
I guess that's why they make Chocolate and Vanilla eh? So everybody has a choice. Good night and good luck to you.
Merry Christmas!