I wouldn't consider it "prosituting" oneself. I found myself for the first time laid off in this industry.

After the normal routine of CFI'ing, flying night freight for a couple of years, flying for a regional carrier for almost eight, and most recent with a corporate/135 that has been around for almost as long as the company (1926). However, my company after being hit over the last year laid off for the first time. Almost 20 of us in all in two seperate layoffs of December '08 and my group in Feb '09.

I was hired as a Capt with over 7300 hrs at the time (which barely met Wyvern and ARGUs mins for them). Now having just over 8000 hours and 2 type ratings, I have never been more "experienced" in my career. However, jobs are scarce, and those that have them I'm sure feel fourtunate. Those of us that dont are trying like heck to find one.

I applaud them for doing something different. I have sent at least 2 applications per week to comply with U/E benefit guidelines. I have had 2 interviews out of that. I talked with an HR for a position that was posted for a trainer at a local fleet/farm company which paid 33k. He stated he received 180 resumes in one day, and over 300 that week for just that one position. That is the reality of competition for employment these days.

I am fortunate my wife is a nurse and was able to send her to work full time while I play Mr. Mom to our two young daughters. After the initial "shock and awe" of losing my job for the first time, I taking it in stride and enjoying the time with the family that I have missed over the years commuting and overnight flying whether cargo or corporate.

But make no mistake, I have always said if you are in this industry long enough, you will either walk a picket line, a strike line, or unemployment line. It was just my time for the U/E line, and have taken this unfortunate event in my life to appreciate my family and friends I have for support when I needed it.