Just so you have some perspective, here is what is probably worst case, most junior case scenario, on a category where we are short (MD 88 ATL)
Schedule for sept reserve (plus aug 31) was 4 on, 2 off, 4 on, 2 off, 4 on 3 off, 4 on 5 off, 3 on. I have been used for trips or short call on every day of availability. I have always had to commute in the day before my first day of reserve due to early shows or early short call, but have always made it home on the last day. I typically got an early show 3 day followed by short call on the last day, or back to back 2 days. Its turned all of may 2 day off stretches into one day at home, and I only had 8 full days at home this month (typically getting back around 9pm the night before my first day off, and leaving in the afternoon on my last day off.) I have accumulated all 8 short call credits this month, and am being flown to within 30 minutes of the reserve limit (ALV) for the month.
Again - probably worst case scenario, I asked/bid for what I’m doing, and life will obviously be easier when I live in base. But IF we do hire I imagine many of the new hires will end up in this category, so its important to build a realistic expectation of what is possible - plus, as others have said, reserve could last a long time with slow movement over the next few years, so best to plan for worst case scenario.
On the bright side, at the current rate, I will be off probation by sometime in January, and I think QOL is better than it was with previous employer, especially when (not if) I move to base.