A bit of an apples to other round fruit of similar size and color comparison. But, you were making a sizable wager (especially for me at the time) that you would successfully complete the training program of a new employer which you didn't know much about ahead of time. For most people it was also the first encounter with turbines, simulator training, airline 121/135 operations in highly congested airspace and airports, operating around significant weather (thunderstorms storms and deicing) and managing sleeping and eating on the road during long days and trips.

Until probation was over I had this reoccurring thought that my throw of the dice would come up snake eyes and I would have a pile of debt to show for my failure. Fortunately many made it through, some did not. The burden of my gamble wasn't insignificant. Thankfully I was in my early 20s, and very resilient. Today's programs remove some of that uncertainty by involving the prospects and eventual employer in a mutual introduction period that sets rules and expectations.