Everyone has their specific reasons for why and what they are doing. For me, I came over 2.5 years ago from the Corp Flying world when the hiring was at a frenzy. I had been a Captain, Check Airman, and Chief Pilot, previously over the past 25 years and now towards the tail end of my career, I needed to make as much money heading into the career home stretch as possible. Hence, me taking the first available upgrade possible (perhaps with this next vacancy announcement, we'll see...). My own career had been pockmarked by the various hits (Gulf wars, one and two, 911, Great recession, Covid, etc) which resulted in flight depts closing, planes being sold, etc. You roll with the punches. In coming over to AA, I saw an opportunity to try and recoup some of those losses. Honestly, I have no ego left at my age (my wife beat it out of me years ago, lol) and I don't relish the hassles I see the Capt here put up with at times, but, I will never be "senior one day" to enjoy the perks of a nice FO pay and lifestyle so, here I am, awaiting upgrade. We do what we have to do when we have to do it.