I certainly do love ORD, as they are the absolute best controllers in the world, hands down. Many cities try to duplicate what they do, and fail miserably. It pains me that they are becoming another crappy airport configuration (ATL), but they will still outshine ANY ATC system out there. But I digress....

What constitutes "competitive"? I applied early this year to no avail. There is certainty that airlines, for whatever reason, put a lot of stock into degrees. From my experience, college is a scam and a joke. People take out loans for six figures in order to fly. These days, the "regionals" are picking up those tabs and paying kids to learn to fly. Me? I paid my way and my dues. I went to an accredited A&P school. I received my licenses. I went to work my way up to inspector and Director of Maintenance. I worked corporate aviation. I have 9700 PIC turbine 121, with a PCKA letter, and 15 yrs of employment. I have an approved 8710 to fly charter in two of my type ratings. I even have a commercial helicopter and multi-engine seaplane rating. Recommendations from 787 and 777 captains, business presidents, and peers. Still a working Director of Maintenance. Oh, and only 42 years old. Where do I want to work? HAL. Can I get there? Does not seem like it. For what reason? Probably because I don't have a degree. My diverse experience means nothing. Don't get me started on job fairs.... I went to one for UPS. Biggest waste of time. They took a female King Air pilot over me. Yep, right in front of me. Told ,e to pound sand, but she knew a female pilot at UPS.

Sorry to sound jaded, but..... Thankfully I am in a great place at a great airline. If my dream job doesn't want me, then so be it. The way I see it, it's their loss.

Good luck to the next generation of pilots. They will never know what we went through. They will never know how to fly an approach without glass or a flight director. As a PCKA, I see it all the time. I suppose I sound like a 64 yo right now. Well, whatever. Get off my grass you hippies! Haha!