Hi there- I did the transition,on my own will. After having flown some 16 years of major Airlines, I can just say I LOVE IT!!
But:
1. I am not from the UK nor do I live there
2. I am still flying on an Airliner Aircraft and as mentioned, job security is better on large aircraft.
3. I am thankful for every year of Airline I have done as in Biz Operation you will probably encounter some funny ideas and that is where your experience and airmanship kicks in!
4. As an FO it is maybe not too much of fun sometimes as many customers these days ask for 2 Captains
5. Time to upgrade if available at all, has to be considered. You will always fall behind a direct entry Captain as most of the companies do not have a structure based on seniority but are based on cost only
6. I enjoy my block of days off-Great! On the other hand it happens that I have to start duty earlier than planned and work longer. I have to be more flexible than before.
Hope this helps! Puh