> Also, how do those of us who are 'too old' to change careers feel? Are you stuck in a trap of high earnings but poor lifestyle? Would you do something different if you were ten/twenty years younger? <
Poor lifestyle ? ...
I may not fall in the too old category, don’t feel it anyway.
But I’ve been flying for 16 and a half years now and I still love this lifestyle.
Agreed I’m trapped in high earnings. I could not get this amount right away anywhere else.
But I would do what I do for less.
Agreed it used to be even better.
After the 6th or 7th round of cost cutting measures one gets a little cynical.
Layovers get shorter, hotels less luxurious, rest time shortened.
But I still got a very good deal going.
The day I’m really not enjoying it anymore, I’ll pack up and leave. I promise.
There’s always something to do. (maybe easier said since I have no kids).
If I had to start this career now I might be a bit discouraged.
The economic status would scare me somewhat.
But I still maintain I got one of the best jobs in the world.
I don’t know if a new starter can reach this spot, cause I don’t know if this spot will still exist by the time they get the seniority.
That does indeed worry me.
Also frustrates cause I don’t believe I can do much about it.
The importance of safety seems linked with money.
I know my recurrent training has been reduced over the years.
This doesn’t seem to affect the ticket buying public though.
So I believe we are indeed destined towards the low cost route.
Free market will dictate.
What am I gonna do about it ?
Nothing.
Report for duty with a smile and try to vote smart within my union.