P-T-Gamekeeper - A few selected quotes from you:
as I will be a Nigel next month
Congratulations.
2. Lifestyle
She leaves the house at 7.30 and returns between 7 & 9 every night, working weekends when required. She is expected to work unpaid overtime when required by the company, and not doing so would be career ending. She is constantly knackered. and would swap for my lifestyle in a second.
Sounds exactly the reason why I left shorthaul, and given that you don't work for BA currently any comparison between your lifetyle and hers is pretty meaningless in the context of this thread. I'm sure Mrs P-T won't complain when you're force drafted on the weekend of that very important event you both had planned.
All in all, I am joining BA with my eyes wide open...............but in my view, it is still the best deal in the marketplace
I'm not so sure you are joining with your eyes open given your quotes about lifestlye. Are you aware that, according to the BALPA benchmarking group, VS pilots are earning 15% more per hour than BA pilots, yet they are still pushing for a 20% payrise this year?