Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
Per Diem isn't pay. It is compensation for having to fend for yourself on the road. Pilots love to try and justify their under performing career by adding in all kinds of things that do not count as compensation yet conveniently forgetting to subtract for airport cars, uniforms, crash pad, meals on the go and the like.
An honest accounting is most humbling.
Skyhigh
I see your point. I don't incur most of those expenses you list though. My commute is easy enough I don't require a crash pad, I'm paid a uniform allowance separate from per diem, I pack my meals so it costs me less to eat on the road than it does at home, and my airport car is the same as my daily driver, which I only have to drive to work once a week, thus saving quite a bit in fuel costs. For me, its extra money in my pocket because being on the road doesn't cost me a penny more than being at home. In fact, it saves me money. I spend far less money on a 4 day than I do spending a weekend at home.
Each can decide their personal accounting techniques, but as far as I am concerned, its compensation if it ends up in any of my bank/retirement/brokerage accounts.