Here goes...You must understand, there will be much pessimism because of how the business is running currently. We are now next to last in on-time performance, morale IS at an all time low (or at least at its lowest point I've seen), and while it's anyone's guessing game, we no longer seem to be fixing our aircraft. Maint. is sketchy at best...in the last month I personally have had 2 instances of very questionable legality concerning maintenance. I got both instances on record as being questioned by the PIC--all I could do short of denying the flight. I consider a good plane now anything with less than 3 MEL's...it is becomming a rarity. My personal schedule for Feb-the most recent completed month to be fair-I was reduce to 6 days off of work... to non-pilots, this doesn't look too bad...to those who actually do the job and see you kids/wife only 6 times in a month, it's terrible. In January, sched. tried to simply remove a day off (coded RDO) and force me to work since they could not contractually extend or jr.man me, and then they acted clueless until I eventually had to talk to the scheduling manager who corrected it after asking if I was willing to do it! It has been worse lately and hopefully it will return to at least a tolerable level. I do like my job (pilot) but I can't imagine the company getting much worse without shutting the doors. Also, for some perspective, as an fo life was much better...two buddies of mine who were CA's here both recently quit and not for a major or a job that was a step up...just to get out of the company's web. Also, neither are flying anymore and both think I'm crazy for sticking it out...which I will in hopes I can jump ship...mass resumes printing. I think the philosophy from the company is that a CA is less likely to leave if you treat them bad because of the money, and they may be right...To sum up, FO life for me was good...CA life is not life...your life revolves around work. If I was in your shoes, I would definately choose another place if possible. Not knowing what the pilot job market is like in DTW, if PNCL is your only option, come on in! I'm sure you could tolerate it if you have to.
I will add, think about why the upgrade is quick here...we aren't getting more planes...people hate this place bad enough to leave flying altogether. Everyone thinks they are the exception that will get their time and move on... I counsel anyone nowdays to go to the regional that you could spend the rest of your life at as a CA for them and hope you can move on, but DON'T bank that you will be here for 1000 PIC and out...it just doesn't happen unless daddy works somewhere that's hiring.