Mar 07 - Started Training
Aug 08 - Finished
Oct 08 - Successful interview with a european regional carrier - into the hold pool
Majority of 09 - Waiting in the hope of coming out of the hold pool.
End of 09 - realised that nothing was likely to come of it, so did an FI rating so I could teach at my local club and build hours that way.
Apr-Nov 10 - Tour of duty with the TA in Afghanistan.
Dec 10 - Offered interview with a UK lo-co.
Jan 11 - Successful interview and start type rating.
Mar 11 - Start line training and loving it.
Yes, I'm one of those who paid for a type rating, however, I did so with a firm job offer in hand pending successful completion. Previously, my employer bonded cadets for the cost of the type rating, taking payments out each month from pay. I'd have ended up paying for it either way.
At least I've got a permanent contract and I know I'll be getting paid each month regardless of how much flying I do.
The airline has a great atmosphere and you are known as a person rather than a staff number. Wouldn't change anything (unless I'd had a stab at a paid for type rating!).