Pilots are their own worst enemies. We all know that and we have all sort of been there in a way. I remember when I was working on my CFI and working as an aircraft mechanic I would sit there on the bus going to work next to flight crews all excited to be talking to these real airline pilots. All they had to say was negativity and such which really just gave me insights and that is to never sell yourself short. I couldn't see it from that percepective just all of the crap you have to deal with and just how we as a pilot group are only as strong as our weakest link. For example the new guy walking around all happy go lucky willing to work for free and taken advantage of by scheduling just to say he/she is an airline pilot is essentially screwing the most senior guy on the list. Just like that kid in class that kept getting a 99% on his test while the rest of the class would try their best and only get an average of 75%. No curve today.

So there is no need to be a jerk and complain profusely about your job, but it is quite obvious that pilots have sold themselves short and are not treated appropriately for the amount of work they do for the company. I have noticed in the past few years just how my percepective has changed but I will never become that guy that openly complains. So yes, it really is that bad. One day you will see. And if you have an ATP/loads of hours and are furloughed.......well you should really be the one complaining.