Also true for the military, long haul trucking, Alaskan fisherman, regional salesman, and dozens of others.

Yes, one needs to know that a job in the transportation industry means one will not be home every night. Kinda like one who aspires to be a doctor should be able to handle the sight of blood.

But, DUH, it is transportation! If you don't realize you will be away from home much of the time, whose fault is that?

For the record, there are flying jobs that don't require travel (sight seeing, traffic watch, lifting parachutists, banner patrol, and some air ambulance), but they don't carry the "Glamor" or the stereotypical pay of being an airline pilot.

So, yes, people that want to be airline pilots need to understand they will be away from home much of the time, and miss Billy's birthday, and miss holidays.

But it sounds to me, you, Sky, didn't realize that, wanted the industry to change to meet your desires, and now are whining about how cruel the industry is. I have had three xmases off since 1992, it isn't fun, but I have learned to open presents over the phone, or make some other date "the day". I don't like it, but until someone pays me to sit on my butt and watch tv, I will deal with it.

Get over it!! the life wasn't for you. Go find a job as a manager at the local A&P working 7 to 3, earn your 38K, be happy, and leave those of us who enjoy our work to the business of flying.

j