I dont think the stickies need to be changed, as I agree its right to give people a realstic view. But just a note, this thread itself really is all thats needed to make people aware that things have got a little bit better but it certaintly isnt "'Hey I have my ATPL'...'Ok heres a job!'"
"Your friend who is a Virgin pilot hasn't had the experience of trying to get into this industry any time in the recent past, nor, I suspect, does he frequently fraternise with those who are."
Since reading PPRune Ive realised he must be lucky, hes 40+ and went into the industry post 9/11 he was a Squadron Leader of Lynx's in the army and I guess hes one of these peoples whos personality did the best for him. He started with BMI, then just as he made captain he got word that something was happening in BIM and managed to jump ship to Virgin. I think hes been pretty lucky all round.
I think the idea that you will join this industry and everything will be fantastic is very niéve, but people have said "Go be a lawyer were the real money is" my sister is a lawyer, and whilst training she got paid next to nothing, the work is hard, she works long hours, and the worst part for me, shes stuck behind a desk all day long, its an industry full of crusty old men. My dads an MD for the NHS, and Im pretty sure he hates his job even though it pays well.
At the end of the day anything worth having never came easy. And I bet even the worse days in aviation career can be made to look fantastic compared to the working days of some of the people "down in the rat race."
@Scroggs, Hope Im not giving out the wrong idea, this forum is a gold mine of information and a big thanks to you for getting it all organized!