That Virgin ad is not that far from the truth when you make it to the big airlines...
It's not difficult once you have experience, that hard part as you stated is getting that first job, sadly over 70% don't ever get to fly after school 20% get started at the bottom instructing!glider towing part time stuff on nice weathered weekends when the regular guy is sick! and I would say 10% actually fly in airlines.
Think very carefully before embarking on a career in aviation, especially if it's airlines you want to work for...
I'm a classic case & there are thousands in my position 4,500 hours 10 years experience I was Captain of a B737, I've done all the crappy jobs, kissed arses been to hell and back yet still with all this experience and finding myself unemployed due to the bankruptcy of my airline..still I find it hard to even get invited for interview! Can you imagine....
Very cruel, unfair & heart breaking industry it will crush your dreams, some may even develop mental health issues
I urge you think very carefully....