Thebeak- So what? Would you like a medal for that? Are you implying that because someone has had financial help from banks, parents...etc they are less intitled to a job than you because you have paid with your own money? You sound like your trying to be some kind of martyr.
Im a "young" pilot but have worked hard all my "young" life. I could write out a very long list of achievements for you however its none of your business how I came to be in the position I am in today - although I will say I had financial help with the TR because I wanted to take up a great offer, otherwise id probably be on here 24/7 asking for advice and listening to people like you. I dont regret my decision at all - been doing this job for a while now and had my TR paid off in 5 months.
Unfortuantely the days of the airline paying for your rating are all but gone. The sooner people realise that in the long run it makes no difference, the sooner they will be in the right hand seat. simple.