I agree.
Retirement at 50 or 55 wonīt do it for most (legacy carrier employees - Iīm not talking about the other folks!!) with divorces, kidīs education, multiple families to support but...
You just have to "get a life" way before retirement and commit at some point and and stop using the seniority system (IT WORKS!!) for whatever suits you.
"What am I to do at home?" just doesnīt cut it.
Stripes on the uniform, MATOW etc. just donīt cut it.
Human rights!!!???
So he will have to fly ex IST and communicate via Skype (he has to be stupid or cheap) just to wear his uniform and fly an A340!
IST is cool and he should savor the opportunity to make new experiencies (take the wifey along!!!), without having to think about existential fears regarding supporting his family.
Makes me want to throw up.