I feel the need to vent but you have raised the spectre of my ego being a problem, so let me meekly and humbly submit:
- It's the time value of money. I won't insult you by reciting it here. In no way does it compensate me to work another five years after I'm 60.
- There is a 25% chance I will lose my medical before those further five years, due to the night freight lifestyle (this is documented at my company).
- There is a HUGE chance that my pension will go the way of the dodo before I turn 65 (freighters are just waiting for their turn in the barrel over here). It is even more important, therefore, that my earnings are maximized early.
- Perhaps you may not believe me, but crawling out to the mighty dog at 10 pm in Osaka to start a 14 hour day, my ego would not be measurably boosted by a switch to the left seat. Besides, I've been an MD11 captain before, so I can close my eyes and murmur that to myself when I'm feeling wee.
It's all money, Glueball. On both sides. Don't kid yourself.