i have seen this coin from both sides...
i have worked for company's and addmitingley had the odd word put in the right ear however i am on the long road to being an airline pilot
and i know its going to be a a hard and paticualary long road compared with many other jobs!!!
What still surprises me is that you if you are willing to go and spend all that money, as i am, and pass all those exams you still rarley get a look in.
i quote from a reputable flight instructor " its not what you know, its who you know" i thought those days were gone but clearly not!!!!!!!!!!!