Oohh, you cynic.
Have to say I'd agree with most of what
handflown says, except the bit about a big pilot shortage. Or maybe he means a shortage of big pilots - who can say?
On a good day, this is the best job in the world - in fact it's not a job, it's a way of life. That needs to be balanced against the not inconsiderable downsides (earlies, sims, daft security etc etc) and the huge financial risks in getting qualified and finding your first job.
That said, I can't imagine doing anything else.
