Being relatively new in aviation with just under 2 years in a jet, I might not be the best one to ask, but for me it has still not become a job. It is still a hobby I get paid for
I am sure it will become a job some day, but a great cure against the few whinging captains one will undoubtedly be crewed up with from time to time is newspapers, flight, car magazines full of captain's cars
and an astounding view. However, I may have been luckier than most as I went straight from flight school to RHS in an airbus (without paying for the rating - sadly an almost necessary comment in these times
), so I did not get all the hassle of crap pay and miserable working conditions. However, the guys who did those jobs have tall tales to tell, so I may have missed out in the end
In conclusion: It beats working for a living
