I completely agree with
Craggenmore's assessment of EZY.
EZY is probably the best one out of the bunch, but I doubt that you want to do that for the rest of your life. Just get the hours and get out...if you can, because nowadays the only jobs seem to be in the low cost airlines.
People in their early '30's that now brag about earning 125k/year will probably be BEGGING the company for part time in say 10 years time. It's a total illusion that you can keep that up until you're 65! For the same reason that you do flex thrust take offs, and just like TOGA has a 5/10 minute limit on it, you can't work on 'TOGA' your entire life! These kids have no idea yet how aviation will wear you out by the time you hit >40 and it would be interesting to see what a person looks like who has worked his entire career,
full time (!), for a low cost airline.
However, if you play it smart, live modestly and invest those 125k wisely by paying off debt and/or for example buying property which generates rent income, then perhaps the low cost route can work out for some individuals. Having another source of income will allow you to 'throttle back' by the time you hit 40. Nevertheless, when I was in EZY, I only saw dumb spoiled kids (not only from rich parents but also with blue collar background) who squandered it all on fast cars, gadgets with a fruit logo on it and expensive girlfriends with a craving for handbags and shoes with a certain logo on it.
Another stumbling block is that most companies generally are very reluctant to give you part time. They rather have you worn out which is something that motivates you to leave, which then makes room for a cheaper person to take your place. It's a win-win scenario for the airlines, and since >40 it will be hard for you to leave, you'll find yourself stuck/trapped in a golden cage: cumulatively worn out, yet working full time earning 125k with nowhere to run. Great...
IMHO it's not the block hours that will wear you out, but it's the relentless pressure of those quick turn arounds, the short flights (never really being able to have a breather and for instance eat your meal in peace and quiet), the constant noise day in day out, and constantly going from earlies to lates. It's all cumulative, something you will realize quickly once you've left the low cost business behind and start working for a company where maybe...just very maybe, you'll survive both mentally and physically long enough till the day you retire.
