A major reason for the current state of pilot conditions is that too many pilots confuse their job with their hobby and sell themselves short. They are usually either young and inexperienced or second career (relatively well off) pilots.
Long after the excitement has worn off it will remain your job.
By the way, I enjoy flying in my spare time and get paid for that too, but my real job is what many of you aspire to. I'm afraid that you will want to be well paid for that; not treated as cheap casual, whining labour by penny pinching and opportunistic management (whilst being subjected to regulation by fools).
Of course, several wise aviators did warn me when I started out, but like many of you, I knew better.
Anyway, the very best of luck to you all in navigating your careers through shark infested waters. Stay sharp.
Last edited by Case One; 22nd May 2012 at 08:39.