It is interesting to see the two simultaneous threads, one bemoaning the fact that pilots aren't amongst the "Highest Earning Occupations", the other posing the most very important question, "QF or VA?"
In the "QF or VA" thread the first three replies simply state..
I would choose to work for the airline that said yes first.
The first one that says yes.
and on it goes...
So there you have it.
Doesn't matter what, where, when or how much, just as long as you are given the opportunity then TAKE IT.
Take it NOW!
And that gentlemen, is the problem and the cause of why we are not amongst the highest earners anymore. Because there is and always will be someone willing to do the job for less.
Oh, and also it may have something to do with modern aircraft that are ergonomically designed to be operated by any human with an average intelligence (I'm sorry to say it doesn't take an intelligent, qualified and educated person such as an engineer to pilot an aircraft in this day and age anymore, just someone who thinks they are. Do a search on the Dunning-Kruger effect)
So as much as you may think you are wonderful and immensely important, the reality is that a large proportion of the general population could and is able to be monkey trained up to a standard that can carry out the duties of a pilot.
Easy
