There are plenty of people who can for various reasons work for free. Example: I have a friend with wealthy parents who own a garage. They paid for his OATS training and will do so for an FI ticket if necessary. He lives within 30 mins of 2 flying schools.
With no debt he will work in the family business pumping gas. If the phone rings he will toddle off to the airfield and do some flying and then return to the family business.
Its not much of a living but he will get by. His hours will be increasing and his flying will retain some modicum of recency.
He is willing to do this in order to position himself for the upturn. As I have advised him to do.
No amount of imploring people to stick to a standard and not work for free will work. It never has. Its infuriating that people will do this.
However, I have advised my friend to follow this route becuase I know that if he does not then he is shooting himself in the foot long term. And he is a friend and it is important I help him.
Its a tough world.
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