Change for the sake
Guppy:
There is nothing like change at BBS (big brush stroke) What is good today roster wise might not be so tomorrow.
The freighter at the moment is under staffed and getting worse. The recent UPS contract has drawn a few FOs away and more to go I am sure. Not record numbers but more than BBS is used to. As a result the DEFO N American based will be away 15-18 days. The Captains right now are averaging 16-18 days a month away with some months over 20 days away. They seem to take it in turns to hit you and then lay off so not always 20 days away. You cannot be based in the US as a DESO. Minimum 5 years in Hong Kong. You could commute some have before. hard on ya though. If it was only once per month or less than doable.
With visitation etc. if having control over your days off (ie when you get them) is important then BBS is not so good for you. We have very little control over our roster. As a based FO you can do some swaps but will have limited swap options.
Most FOs are near there base. About half are commuters. It can be a pain when you have reserve and then a three day trip one off, and then regional, two off and then long haul so commting is a tough option.
However there are good months as well.
not sure if that helps you !!
Best of luck !
FG