Originally Posted by
DENpilot
Some won't leave out of some misplaced sense of self-righteousness. They will flush their careers in the proverbial toilet just to say, "I make a 1.50 an hour more than XYZ regional" They act as if XJT is somewhere they can make a career, and the smart folks who do leave are "scum" who are messing up their regional airline career at XJT.
Meanwhile, the seniority boat is sailing at United and other carriers, full of guys with PIC time.
Well... I'm going on 8 years here as an FO. I drive to work, I have three weeks vacation, I make my schedule, and I make more here as an FO than I would at another carrier as an FO.
If I leave for another regional, I will have to start commuting to reserve. Even if I upgrade in a year, then I am back on reserve. Possible PIC time isn't that important to me. I have a wife and I have a life at home full of exciting stuff to do. Flying at a regional and sitting in a crash pad with a bunch of dudes when I could have been home isn't my thing. My opportunity will come so I might as well enjoy my time off in the mean time.
And yes, all of those FOs that are leaving for quick upgrades are "scum". They continue to chase the carrot which is what the airline management team wants. Most of them will claim they voted NO on our TA but then bail for a bottom feeder like PSA. That's hypocracy at its finest.
It's not self righteousness, it's a huge gamble that isn't necessary with our current hiring climate and outlook. Worse case scenario, it takes me a little more time to get hired. Also, I actually am out of here in a few months anyways. So it payed off for me to stay.