the "doggy bag" crewfood that we get on the aircraft is pretty poor. The sandwich choice is mediocre, at best, and the salads are more likely to spark off mass botulism than provide adequate nourishment... If the crew food was to be a little bit more balanced, it would be acceptable, but can you honestly name one person who wants to go for a "salmon and cucumber" sandwich that is slightly mouldy, with soggy bread?
And the Crudites... don't even get me started on them! The only thing they're good for is for throwing at the other guy when he passes wind.
However, as much as we may moan about crewfood, there are some redeeming things to it - and at least we still get it. But it could be a lot better, granted.
Paywise - in my first base, for the first year and a half, I couldn't make ends meet. I lived on my credit card, and was getting scuppered by the interest on it. However, as my payscale went up, I've been able to pay back a large percentage of that debt now, and am finally starting to see the end of the tunnel. But as for saving up any money at all, it remains a long way off - any that is saved come the end of the month goes on petrol, or fuel bills or car maintainance or just having 1 day out with the Mrs.
If FlyBE were to up the pay - eg - after 3 years service to the company, it was to be raised £10k, then I would be a lot happier than I am right now. As it is though, they don't, and I will continue to struggle with the pay, and the lates to earlies issue.