I am not sure why a North American freighter pilot didn't get the chance to audition for this "Day in the Life Of..." deal. It's glamourous.
The day normally starts with an economy class, cross-continent commute/PT followed by 10 hours 'sleep' in a roach-ridden rathole. Shortly after entering a deep sleep, the alarm goes off or the phone rings for a midnight (or later) showtime.
The transport - which could be used to transport Indians to work in a high rise in Dubai - takes you to the Cargo office. Nobody's expecting you, so you have to call someone on your cell phone to get them to come and get you from the street (eg. LAX/JFK).
Finally, you drag your bags up the freighter stairs, get on the upper deck and get the desperately needed coffee on the go. You anticipate landing in the turbulence and gloop at ANC after a tortorous, all-night two-man arriving just before dawn. The 10 pages of NOTOC contain 1000s of batteries and other noxious sh#t, and you have to scrutinize everything on paper and on the main deck.
The flight itself goes as per SOP except for the caviar, smoke salmon and soup, but a high-sodium, low-quality meal subsitute is provided for your dining pleasure. The ugliest, foulest smelling flight attendant throws it in your lap though.
So, why aren't North American freighter guys getting a "Day in the Life Of...." look-in?