Well, a guy that came from EUR and joined as an SO 8months ago is leaving next month. He said that he really enjoys HKG(he is single) but RA65, less basing opportunities, DEFOs and resultant delay in upgrades to both window seats made him reconsider. So he is going back to his old job. As he said, its not perfect there but its better than CX and he won't look over the fence again wondering if that grass is greener or just 'made in china' astroturf;-)
Cathay acts like a career airline and pays like a post 9-11 legacy carrier. Issues that my american amigos mention to me frequently;
-moving career goalposts - time to command moving beyond 13+ years
-carrot of early freighter command is mostly illusory
-hoops required to 'jump through' for command keep multilplying
-CX culture is most definitely not easy for those from more relaxed environments - thing brad pitts puckerhole in a prison shower - "toight"
-no post retirement fringe benefits such as medical
Over a decade ago CX had a reputation for being a career airline that had fast commands and good pay. Back then you never heard of anyone leaving CX as everyone left other airlines to come here. I have never seen so many people leave and I have never seen morale so low. If you are seriously considering CX talk to some of your peers to get a good idea of how things are now.
merry xmas