pprune get funnier and funnier to read for each year.
p2f - scam.
Pay for type - scam.
CX - scam.
While at same time, people keep telling all wannabees how there is "no jobs", "impossible to find anything" etc etc.
Low-hourd pilots got to start somewhere, right? How many companies do accept pilot with 200hrs TT? Ryanair, where you have to pay for your time (and have about 4000k applications from cadets and about to close recrute?).
Cathay?
GA? Well, that works for US. But not for Europe. There is no GA in Europe. And definitely not enough for "everyone".
Instructing? Very few jobs in Europe. And one must spend close to 10k-15k euro first, to get CFI/CFII/MEI-ratings.
How big flat, can you afford, while instructing? Enough to feed your family? Doubt it.
Avg. pay in US - 20$/flying-hour. 4hrs a day, 5 days a week - 400$. Roughly 1500$ a month (if you are lucky).
Rent - 800$ (for something small), internet, cell, utilities, car, insurance...
Compare this to CX - CX is not such a bad deal after all!
CX have this programs, because pilots are willing to accept it.
Pilots are willing to accept it, because its harder to find anything better.
Jetpilot, very good and informative post, thank you.
But imo, you must blame your self, not CX. Could you have done research, how much you get paid, how much it cost for flat etc? Yes. You would know EXACTLY how much money you would have "left" after all expenses.
You would know exactly how big (or small?) your flat would be.
And yes, Im sure its hard in HK without knowing language. But im sure you could think about it, before you moved there? When you are moving to a different country, with totally different culture - it WILL be different. Some things will be better, some things will be worse. You must adapt.