The seniority system or percieved entitlement to, has not helped our profession nor our families. It shackles people to companies and jobs they might otherwise leave. It has turned lives into misery, ( 20 year first officers in the USA), and pitted one professional against another. ( This forum ). Other professions bring in new people, ( law firms, accounting firms, medical firms ) train them, and then when the leaders of the firm decide they are prepared, they are made a partner. Once at this level, they are free to trade their experience and knowledge on the open market for the benefit of themselves and their families. Having been allowed that opportunity in the piloting profession has enabled many a Captain from EK to return home, or live closer to their preferred choice of domicile. Imagine the opportunity around the world if a pilot could apply for a job and not have to start as a new-hire. Unfortunately, like the lawyer who is bar certified and a partner, the doctor who is a specialist in his field and a partner, and the accountant who is a CPA and a partner, there will always be some measure or level of qualification in every profession that others will recognize and value. In our profession it happens to be the title of Captain, and what you fly and where you fly it;not unlike a lawyer who specilizes in criminal law in a big city. With the lack of new entrants into our profession over the past 5-10 years, the demand for "Captains" around the world will only increase, much to our benefit. Luckily for EK pilots, the company is growing and making "new" Captains monthly. They fly big airplanes around the world,adding to the resume, and ultimately bringing greater opportunity world-wide for them and their families.....a very enviable situation to be in.
