I also have 17 to go (now as a captain!) and will retire at 8%. I was flying on 9/11 and watched the industry up and downs since then. The current hiring is an event in itself—the downside is it won’t sustain itself as the pool will dry up. The recent credentials data breach showed 3K apps on file. The days of 10K apps on file and a Hail Mary to the end zone full of interview teams are over. If you want to go to Widget you can just say so and do it. Amazing.

My perspective is that I’m staying right where I am. I have 4700 pilots below me on the list which I don’t want to trade.

That being said, I took five weeks in Europe in March-April. Looks like a no vote is coming, and my sick bank will be managed whenever I’m not fit to fly.