Khaosai,
Thats what I thought win, win. I started my PPL last year and planned to get all my training done in my 3 weeks off each trip where possible, I'm just more wary of climate. I would expect a drop in my current salary if I made it into the RHS in the future, I'm not one that would aim for jets straight away, I would do anything to start and get flying experience and hours and work my way up through the ranks as such. I'm 28 but I am already on my 3rd career change, 5 years as a royal marine, 4 years as a police officer and now in my 3rd year of offshore inspection/rope access so a fair bit of life experience for my age. I'm hoping that would stand me in good stead for my first aviation job. Flying as always been my passion, as i'm sure it is for most who take on this monumental task of getting the ATPL.
I can only go of what I read on PPRUNE but to me it seems a huge investment of time and money to be let in for a hell of a ride to get the first job, all these different schemes for Ryanair, easyjet etc, maybe in the end I will keep flying as a hobby. I really did want a career as a pilot but I will be riding this out until I see that things improve. I'm more than willing to do whatever it takes to get a job, my last 3 were not walk in jobs, but security in my life is a big thing. I'm also aware that there is other airlines/operators out there that are not running these cadet schemes, but realistically by the time i'm finished training I would guess I would be around 32 years old, with all the spring chickens newly qualified, and experienced pilots with hours on type being recruited again(hopefully for you guys) I just dont think I would stand a chance!
Any way I am aware i'm drifting off thread so will knock this on the head, but i'll keep my ears to the ground and assess the situation as I go. £60k+ of debt no siree, not with the risks involved, maybe back in my naive youth it would have been an option before, but had my fingers burnt with debt years ago, and its not a nice feeling!
All the best to the guys qualified and trying to find work. I really hope you get something soon.