Originally Posted by
Gillegan
For what it's worth, there are various levels of working for free (or below fair market rates). I include in that category, pilots who have retired with a pension and who just want to "top up" their money. While I can understand the sentiment, they are also depressing the pay of the rest of us who are trying to work towards having a decent retirement - something that is getting more and more difficult.
On the contrary - there remains a large shortage of experienced captains, trainers and examiners that these retirees fulfil - if that were not the case, Emirates and Cathay rates would be far below what they are for the same people.
Working for free at a junior level is however totally counterproductive and stems from a complete inability to make rational decisions on the part of people deluded with "love" of a career. An possibly lacking the skills as well.