All this negativity!!!?
Aberdeen is a great place to start (or finish) your rotary career! Pandalet you'll have to see the place for yourself though.
Personally I'd rather be in Aberdeen than down South, thats a big endorsement being a Londoner! (although I can think of better places on the globe to posted.)
When I first got the job with a North Sea operator, I was asked where I'd rather be posted. I replied 'North Denes', having never been to Aberdeen and having heard grim reports about North East Scotland.
Thankfully, the operator, as they normally do, completely ignored me and sent me to Aberdeen. Thank God!
I have since had the pleasure(?) of flying out of North Denes..I don't want to upset anyone, but (I will!).... have you seen 'The League of Gentlemen'?. Also I think the band 'The Darkness' (Long hair / Leotars) are from nearby. Need I say more!
The flying in Aberdeen is routine, challenging at times, more importantly, breakfasts are good, I've even started eating Black Pudding!.
On a serious note, as a new start, the 2 crew, Multi, IR experience is invaluable and the hours quickly build, giving you the chance to move on if you so wish! (Flying the radials for 30 years will drive you a bit nuts.)
Once you've done a year or two flying out of Aberdeen, it becomes more about the lifestyle than the actual flying! But, hey, there's nothing wrong with a good lifestyle.
For example:
I clocked in at work at 6.15 this morning, airborne from Aberdeen 7.15, picked up a full Scottish Breakfast (2 sausages, bacon, beans, 2 eggs, some black pudding, 2 cakes, yes cakes at 8.30am) landed back at Aberdeen 10.45, out of the door by 11.00 and Skiing in Glenshee by 13.00 to work it off! No complaints!
Some guys'll get used to this routine / lifestyle and stick it, others like HOGE will look to pastures new for some variety!...And so the cycle continues!