With a recession possible, age 65 effects unknown, effects of any potential DAL/NWA/UAL merger, and near-$100 a barrel oil, I'd caution you to make that "4-5 years temporary" prediction...make sure you're somewhere you wanna be for the next 10 years.

Hiring might cycle back up again, but the IATA is saying this year will be less profitable for the majors than it was last year...if we have a recession, prices go up, and oil stays high, your prediction might get bumped up to more like 6-8 years. In fact, that's what any entry level FO should plan on right now IMHO>