Contract Con, do you really believe that aviation careers are what you make of them? Some of the best and most ambitious pilots I know who have ticked all the prerequisite boxes have been applying to Qantas and Virgin for years without so much as a sniff from Human Resources. I tend to think their failure to make good is not for lack of unitive but lack of opportunity. What would you make of that?
Just to wade in here..
...Con is spot on in my opinion, I am living proof of it is what you make of it, 3 continents, about 7 jobs, and I don't know how many nights spent in tents, cars, dodgy hotels, B & B's you name it I've stayed there. Not to mention malaria, being shot at, and having a knife pulled on me!
So Maudlin, when I read comments like yours I know exactly where your coming from, the only thing is anyone can do it....if they work hard enough for it. (I am a DECIDEDLY average aviator, yet through hard work and determination I am approaching a command check with a UK legacy carrier)