So- who looks down on who?

[grizzled]

"Look down on"?

Pug:
First, it was you who chose the negative wording and attitude in your first post to start the thread. So be prepared to catch what you throw.
Having said that, here are some answers that many ATCO's would likely agree with . . .

"what is seen as a "better" option- aerodrome? Area? Oceanic?"
The answer is the same for ATCO's as it would be for cops, pilots, school teachers or whomever: Depends on the individual. We all have different likes / dislikes and aptitudes. I spent time in every aspect of ATC and enjoyed all of it, but preferred busy tower ops; others really enjoy the challenge of an approach radar position (for instance). Still others revel in the unique challenges of procedural control (witchcraft).

"is there a huge gap between management and ATCOs?"
If you are referring to pay and benefits, the answer is "no." If you are referring to respective philosophies, attitudes to work, etc, then the answer is (all too often) "yes." And the larger the ATC facility, the more likely the management have lost touch with (or never were in touch with) what ATCO's really do. Having said that, the relationships between ATCOs themselves, is most often excellent. There is, in almost all ops rooms and tower cabs, an air of respect and camaraderie (though we controllers often prefer the sort of camaraderie that wolf cubs enjoy. It's "rough and tumble" and requires thick skin, humour, and humility).

"do most ATCOs want to move to management, or do they stay within pute ATC?"
Assuming the word is "pure" (which, in reference to ATCOs, is clearly an oxymoron . . .) the general answer is this: Most ATCOs remain as controllers, or operational supervisors, for their entire career. Without going into the reasons that those who choose management do so, I'll stick to the more positive reasons that most ATCOs remain as ATCOs: As long as one's medical holds out, and the brain continues to function well enough to keep the airframes or targets apart in a safe -- and reasonably efficient -- manner, there is no more enjoyable and rewarding job in the ATC system. IMO, one of the best aspects of an ATCO's job is this: When the shift is over, the work is over. Period. When you unplug that headset and walk away, all your work is done. As an operational controller, when you come to work for your next shift, time starts again; no memos in an "inbox", no phone calls to customers, no letters to write, etc. You go home each day having completed all your tasks -- the work doesn't carry over from day to day. It's a benefit that very few jobs have, and it's because controlling aircraft is one of the few truly "operational" jobs left in the world.

"Are some places renowned as being great places to work, and others not?"
Yes. But that changes with time -- and is also subjective. so now is not the time for you to be thinking about that. Do you want to try this job or not?

"what would be the "plum" job straight from training and what would be considered the worst?"
Again, different for each person. Some ATCOs would be delighted to spend their whole career in a laid-back, not too busy control tower at Upper Rubber Wellington Airport. Most want to be at least somewhat challenged in their daily work -- and don't get this wrong: those challenges and surprises can happen anywhere, anytime. Generally, this statement can be made: If what you want to do is learn most about all aspects of ATC early in your career, then a posting to a tower at a reasonably busy regional airport is a great start. You not only learn, you gain confidence. And it's that confidence that will allow you to progress to other ATC locations and challenges (if you wish).
The worst job straight from training would be sitting on a bench in the park reading the job ads. Second worst would be approach control or ground control at Heathrow, O'Hare, or Atlanta -- but I wouldn't worry about that just yet.

"Is there an "ultimate" role that ATCOs aspire to?"
Yes, there are three. In the short term it's to unplug that headset at the end of each day voluntarily -- without having to fill in forms relating to an accident or incident. The more long term ultimate roles are:
1. to be the guest of honour at an ATC retirement party.
2. many years of monthly get-togethers at The Local, discussing The Good Old Days with fellow retired ATCOs.

Over.