Wanna make a bet? How about the retired airline guy that says he'll pay for his own gulfstream type if he gets hired?

I’ll take that bet thru hard work, effort, time built as many here have done to get where they are and accomplished many other jobs to “feed their family.” Don’t ever prescribe to thinking your the “first and only” so get out of my way is the logical obligation/narrative. Some make it, some don’t but whatever you think your entitled to, that’s another story aside from the other contract BS brought up. Agree with TiredSoul, it’s all BS. No one should step aside even if they supposedly had their time in the sun or whatever you make of it, even if they outbid/buy your type and have the experience or at least trainable to standard. It’s Business after all. If no experience than it’s the employers fault bottom line. Despite being behind others seniority wise who are or were less experienced than I, should I feel they should retire early or get out of the way. Nope, never gonna happen. Many have left early for themselves and to benefit others but that is their right/decision and their sacrifice at times is forgotten all too easily. This is the industry we live in and those having had skin in the game like yourselves must know this reality. It is what it is that’s life, don’t sweat it or others just drive on.

In Addition: Contract wise we all push forward wherever we are to get better pay, benefits, etc. to “feed our families” and yours and those following our footsteps.. This was accomplished by all your predecessors and now us for our benefit and for future generations. But the bottom line is none of your experience commands a price individually, we all do it collectively wherever we are - otherwise go be a Doctor or a lawyer, etc and command your own price. We act like independent contractors, but we’re really not…well, some of you are.

If you get right down to it ANY job a retiree takes is undercutting someone else. Where do you draw the line? Who gets to decide which jobs are ok to do for fun?

Like most on here I love flying but my engineering degree has been a far more stable source of income than my pilot's license.

Yeah, no one-size-fits all.

As was already pointed out, it's kind of the nature of the industry. It's also the other side of the time-builder coin where most of us (civilians) have flown for fast-food wages, some for food, a few for nothing... or even PFT.

For the most part the only people who have always earned a good wage to fly are mil-to-major pilots.

Don't like like it? Get a major airline job where nobody can come in and undercut you.