I hate to interrupt this ridiculous pi$$ing match but...

I took a job at Lakes in 2000 because I saw it as a great opportunity. And I turned down a job at Chautauqua to take it (if I went there, I'd be top 10 on the E175/195 now). Why? Six month upgrade, and 1000 PIC, then go work at United, that's why.

Of course, things didn't work out as planned, but I still look back at Lakes as one of the best and worst jobs I ever had. I was EMB in Chicago, and we had a blast. I still have not come close to those IMT overnights!!! I still get together with ex-Lakers and talk about how much fun we had. Yeah, we made $15K a year, but we knew it was temporary. It was a means to an end. I got out. I feel badly for all of you who got stuck there, but you know what? You knew it going in. The weak union, Voss and his complex, being treated like crap for no money... you knew it all, but you took the job anyhow. Ask yourself why. Getting stuck was the risk, but the upside was quick upgrade and 1000 PIC. So maybe you took the gamble and lost. It's time to man up, quit whining, and either look for other opportunities, or quit.

Hiring is going to skyrocket in 2-3 years. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck to all of you, I hope you too get out. AT LEAST YOU DON'T WORK FOR MESA!!!