Unlike the majority of nice big shiny jets, the average Q400 has to undertake 8-10 lanings per day. Often into regional airfields with shorter runways and certainly in my part of the world into storms, strong cross winds and driving rain (actually the wet bit makes for smoother landings so no coplaints there).
Dash&Thump,
Do yourself a favour, stop looking jealously across the tarmac at the 'nice big shiny jet', go down to B & Q, buy some filler and fill in that rather large chip that you have on your shoulder.
Most of us have done our time flying the 'non shiny' stuff around whilst working our way up the ladder. Enjoy it whilst it lasts.