Don't feel too sorry for yourself. Pilots from the 'lost decade' are still working on finding gainful employment.

Many of those were working for places like TWA, ATA, USAir, etc before 9/11 and were furloughed by the thousands. Some left the industry, some found other jobs flying for second tier airlines or corporate flight departments, some even left the country to fly as expats.

When the recalls started they may have chosen not to accept recall due to family circumstances, the economy, or just the info they had at the time. And for every one of those there are two regional jet pilots who spent the lost decade waiting as the majors furloughed around them. When hiring did begin again, they had to wait for the recalls to get underway and then compete for precious few remaining jobs.

I was 25 when I started my first major airline job. I didn't get hired at SW until I was 42 with over 10,000 TT and a half dozen type ratings.

You haven't been forgotten. It's just not your turn yet. [emoji6]