suitcaseman - I'm not sure you're comparing like for like training. Almost all new pilots looking for a job now have paid themselves for their training up to frozen ATPL. That in itself represents £30,000 to £50,000 (maybe more) before considering living expenses etc. Employers then want you to spend £10,000 - £30,000 more on top of that on a type rating. You are looking at a very large outlay, and that last chunk of money is only going to qualify you on one type of aircraft. I imagine a veterinary qualification is reasonably general and opens up the potential to apply for plenty more jobs than having a type rating on one aircraft.