Yes I think it's much harder for someone who's seen better days in aviation to now settle for the current reality. Must be disappointing to say the least. I've never known anything else and therefore am much more easily settled into the current T&C's.
I'm university educated, have a long term high paying career behind me and come to this job with a modicum of experience under my belt. My choice defy's all logic because the alternative for me is actually a much better paying position in a nice modern office with a view. But still I choose this, even with it's shortcomings. Some of us are here because we can't see ourselves anywhere else and that has to be a good thing.
I am a believer that everything has it's season. Low cost may be the flavour of the month but give it time and premium will be back in fashion. Things do tend to get better over time even if they appear to be falling apart in the short term. How many FA's thought it was the end of their world back in the collapse of Ansett, and Impulse and Compass? Yet today we have such stability and choice in airlines in Oz.
Hang in there if you can or maybe just look for an employer that appreciates your experience and finesse...
