TP, while I do agree that EK is not as bad as Eva (yet), I do feel the need to point out 1 very big difference between the career set-backs you have dealt with and the present situation at Emirates. The economics of flying in North America were at an all-time low in the early 2000's, BEFORE 9/11. We all know what happened after.

As pilots, we could look in the cabin and see empty airplanes and KNOW what was coming. And they did. Everyone faced lay-off, downgrades, mergers and worse. You could blame lots of people, but with no passengers, the pain was inevitable.

Now let’s look at Emirates Airlines. You study the economics and determine that the quick command, good routes and reasonable pay are worth moving your family half-way around the world and denying your parents the chance to see their grandkids grow up. You gamble that an act of terrorism or changing economics won't ruin your plans.

And you win. This year, Emirates will make over $1, 000, 000, 000.00 profits. That is not a misprint. Emirates will make over 1 billion USD in PROFIT this fiscal year.

In the face of these record profits, for the 5+ years I've been here, about every 18 months there has been a claw-back. But they don't even own up to it?! They call it "cost neutral" or a "safety issue" to balance the schedules.

(As an aside, for the 2nd year in a row, I have no leave during school holidays. This year, I was given 30 days, not the 42 that's in my contract, and none of it is "prime time." Without the ability to string together at least 10 days, how will I visit my family on the West Coast of NA with my kids??)

So yes, like you I've had worse things happen in my career and like I say, I always try to look at the big picture. These latest changes are not life threatening. But given the amount of money the company is making and the fact that they're trying to attract pilots, what can we expect when things slow down? Pretty scary thought...