Interesting reading this.
I come from a slightly different perspective in that I am generally happy with my job (DH8D LHS) but agree with most of the posters here, albeit no quite so negative.
My background was as a training captain with a small turboprop airline and single pilot /multi pilot with a well known Midlands based freight operator.
The previous jobs gave me more money, particularly the last one and I took a substantial hit when I joined Flybe; in the order of £800 -£1000 per month take home. However, despite the lates to earlies issue, I do get more time at home than previously. A new baby was one of the reasons I left my previous employer and time at home was premium. The trade off of cash versus time was one that needed to be made. I had to rationalise my spending and lower my overheads to live within my new means, and I have done that.
For me it was the right choice, my former employer went under around one year after I left leaving many capable and competant pilots out of work with a pretty limited type rating. Some have lucked in and got jobs (albeit in far flung places) others are still looking. The pay cut I took was much preferable to life on the dole with an uncertain future...
However, now that the summer is here we are working hard, and certainly not being paid enough for our efforts. Five consecutive doubles (three earlies in that) , two days off then straight back into it does hit hard, and I am knackered this week.
The Dash can be tricky and does require a constant eye to prevent a trip to Exeter for Big Mac and cheese, so far avoided. But despite this I do enjoy flying it (and I do come from the DC6).
The E-Jet story was mildly exciting just from the point of view of the health of the company. Being in the bottom levels of seniority I have a vested interest in that! However, I agree with the feeling that foreign bases will see most of them and I have no wish to move.
To sum up I hope for more pay, and our loyalty to be properly rewarded. Lates to earlies would be nice if sorted out but I can live with it.
I am not amongst those who are actively looking for other employment, my desire to live where I live limits that to Flybe.
CRX.
BTW Crew food? My chickens love it! Particularly the 'Crudites'...