re
ok here's my two rupees worth...
it all depends on what stage in life you are, if you're 20 years old, single and have the rest of your life in aviation, eyes closed join AI and dont listen to any @#$% your friends in the private airlines tell you for the next 2 years, tell them I'll see you when you're 30 and we'll compare notes.....
if you're 35-40(max agelimit) , got the wife, 2 kids, housing loan to take care of etc.etc. maybe not a bad bet to join the private airline , get a fairly decent pay from start , get your command in <5 years and start saving for your retirement .....
what picollo suggests is absolutely right ...patience is the key and if you're a S/O on the 777 for a while , that's fine, we're a bit spoilt here in India,an average pilot that joins an airline like cathay as an S/O has 2000 plus hours plus an ATP and turboprop /jet hours under his/her belt.....let's not get blinded by the hype .......
best of luck to your decision, masalama.