You misunderstood my point. I wasn't so much 'talking' about the route you chose because frankly I know very little about it, and by the way I'm glad things worked out for you.

Instead, I was saying that just like some people look down on pilots who paid for their jobs (dollars exchanged for logging part 121 pic or sic flight time for example) many also look down on pilots who undercut the coworkers at their sister airlines such as Gojet (as an example).

I actually have a friend at Gojet and he is still my friend however, since he decided to take a job at Gojet I cannot ever recommend him for a job at UPS or anywhere else where I have friends; he knows that and accepts it. We've been friends far too long to end it now simply because of his career choices however, we'll never fly together again.

He chose to go there knowing it was an alter-ego airline and also knowing the company had the audacity of hiring pilots on one end (Gojet) while the management was simultaneously furloughing from the other side (TSA). In other words, he chose a quick upgrade on the backs of his fellow brothers and sisters at TSA. I think that's wrong and many people agree with me. Many do not and I respect their point of view too.

Hiring is all about who you know and who's interviewing you. In the past I did some recruiting at a regional airline and later helped with recruiting at two low cost airlines. Twice, when asked for a recommendation I felt I had to decline the requests; each time I was polite and honest about why I wouldn't recommend the person.

I do not consider myself an ignorant person, neither do I think my view is idiotic.
Idealistic? Maybe... but it's not the fact you or someone else chose a different route than most did - it's when someone conducts himself or herself unethically that I speak out.

In my opinion, I'm simply standing up for our profession...


...and now back to the topic...

How long did you CFI before 1st job?