Originally Posted by DAWGS

I think you hit the nail on the head with the last hope being career expectations. With the departure of 150+ this year coupled with no hiring, not to mention hundreds retiring very soon and still no mention of hiring troubles me to say the least. I have even considered taking my 20+ remaining years to another company. I have never given that a thought up until now, even through an extended furlough. I really am coming to believe this company will continue to merge, shrink and outsource throughout all of our retirements, rendering the junior career expectations, just that expectations that never come to fruition. Granted some hiring will have to occur but just keep in mind that I have seen in the neighborhood of 3000-4000 pilots leave since I was hired and I am still beyond 80% on the list. Merge, shrink, outsource...repeat and so on....

I hope I am wrong but sadly I think I am right. One thing is for sure. If other good opportunities present themselves in the near future, I think you may see many depart who aren't even close to retirement. Even looking through my rose colored lenses, the optimism has faded.