I think some people need a bit of a reality check. For someone like myself making the first step into the major airlines Cathay
Well, that changes things, doesn't it? If Cathay is only a step in your career path, then by all means jump into it. Get your ratings, cash in on the housing and leave while you're still young.
However, for the rest of us who left profitable airlines or airforce contracts with good seniority, wages and benefits to join the illusion that is a Cathay Career, the picture looks somewhat different. We were presented with two career paths; SO and DEFO freight. We were presented with a retirement age; 55. We were presented with a basing and seniority structure that allowed us to convince our families, friends and children that we wouldn't be in China forever.
If Cathay wants guys that will accept anything as long as it's better than nothing, than so be it. They might even get some guys to fly for free. But the ground is being aroded for the rest of us. Yes, one could always go back and rejoin at the bottom. And repurchase the old house. And once again leave good friends and collegues behind.