Good point. Best thread I've seen in years as it provides perspective from the guy 'in the other lane'. Human nature to always gauge relative position with others in other companies, career choices, etc. Just seeing actual numbers vs. pay scale deciphering is very enlightening.

From my perspective as a former cubicle dweller, aging professionals don't worry so much about medical issues as they do becoming victims of never-ending cost cuts and downsizing. Bean-counters gone wild. Every. day. No contract or seniority to protect you against the increasing probability of being replaced by 'Dave' in New Delhi or energetic/ambitious/attractive/cheaper/productive (insert trendy name here) young college graduates. Seemed every time I turned around another 'mature career professional' was leaving in tears with a cardboard box, escorted by security. Good luck getting hired in your 50s. If you are lucky, don't expect to make near what you made at your old gig.

Personally, I'll take my chances with the flight doc over greedy CEOs and their henchmen accountants ANY day. Nice knowing a contract protects me from arbitrarily being replaced to meet a cost target. Our profession may come with it's share of risks, hassles and disappointments, not to mention furloughs, but i wouldn't trade our contractual raises, seniority system, or income for anything. I was there, busting my tail 60-80 hours a week, and yes, living in hotels, saw the ugly realities and, instead of whining about pilot compensation, took the (very) scary step to bail mid-career and become one. I knew what life could be like over here. Scary step; suffered the lean years, furloughed, worked side jobs to cover the rent, blah blah, but in the end, it paid off.

After having lived and seen both, there's no comparison for me. No bed of roses getting here, not all unicorns and rainbows when you do finally get here, but a far side better than the previous career I and many others aspired to. No regrets. JMHO.

"Up in the air', great movie about the realities of being outsourced/replaced during your 'profitable' years.