I knocked it on the head 18 months ago, just prior to the latest downturn. Reasons? partly the endless wait for command which at my age I was unlikely to ever see, but mainly the aggravation of commuting from the frozen North to LHR/LGW several times a month. If you are considering it then think long and hard. It is exhausting, difficult and expensive. Longhaul is tough enough on the human body without 5 or 6 hours of travelling each side of a flight. Either live close to your base or choose another lifestyle.
Overall? I enjoyed the first 2 or 3 years, was indifferent to the next couple and had had enough by the end. Glad I did it, saw some nice places, flew the 744 and discovered that there is more to life than the size of your equipment. I'm glad I did it and equally glad that I no longer do.
All the best to my former colleagues.
