Tarmach....
In response to your question:
I went to Oxford in 1999 and 2000. Integrated CAA course which resulted in a JAA Frozen ATPL. And about 200 hours or so....
I then wrote off to absolutely everyone....and nagged them on the phone a lot too.
A couple of airlines expressed a "serious" interest. One was another large charter operator with blue and white Boeings (with a woman in a wheelchair on the tail) the other was a small but expanding turboprop carrier between LCY and Scotland. They rang me for interview the day I accepted my posting with my current employers.!!!! That's life isn't it...you wait ages and two opportunities come along at once!!
I got in my current seat, by a huge slice of luck! I was accepted into the ATP Academy scheme back at the end of last year.
Contrary to what a few people think, this scheme exists and is excellent if you get in a big airline via it. Obviously it is not so great if you don't.
It is worth remembering that whatever training you take to get a licence only gives the possibility of flying for a living. A lot of hard work comes after that to secure and hold down a job.....
On the other stuff, yes always out and back with my mob. Which suits me fine.
Oh and yesterday....up at 04:30.....delays....home at 23:00. That did involve a hefty drive either end though. But none the less a very long day!! Glamour? Hmmm, think about as glamourous as Anne Widdecombe.....
Good luck to everyone.