CPL arrived in the mail 12/9/2001.....
Worked pumping petrol to keep the hours ticking over and keep my name in front of the potential employers...
First job: August 2003 flying tourists around the Mountains and Glaciers of the South Island, got the job with 300 hours TT. Was paid a salary (yes a salary, none of this paid per hour of flying or whatever) and was well looked after. Was also able to gain other qualifications that I wouldn't have had a chance to do without the job. Worked with some great people and not so great people, but the bosses were a couple of great guys - real enthusiasts when it came to aviation and really knew their stuff. Was there for 5 years and loved it and developed a real sweet spot for the area.
Second job: February 2009.. Flying ATRs around tropical islands about 1500TT sweet stuff all multi. Missing the mountains, but the view is great and so different to what I was doing. But now I can go play golf 3 times a week!
And that's about where I stand right now...