It's all about your attitude and life situation. I live in base and have bid reserve all but 3 months here - once was a complete accident. Once because I needed a week off without getting vacation and another staffing was really low and I needed a break.

But on average, I fly 20-30 months. Even this summer when we zero out reserves the day before. When staffing is good, like last summer, I flew twice in one month. I am home almost every night and my wife who works her tail off comes home to a clean house, fresh laundry and hot dinner - I have no problem being house husband. Yeah I only get paid 75 hours but it allows me to work a second job at home. I have yet to miss a single important life event including over 12 weddings since I have been here (friend and family are that age).

Our reserve rules are probably some of the best in the industry. Yes, it is still reserve and there are times they can abuse the hell out of you. But you have some control over it.