Well Rusty, let me put it to you this way. When I started 19yrs ago I was earning poverty wages. Why did I do this? I was able over the years to advance myself to a living wage...nearly $60.00 per hr international not including per diem. I also was able to operate my own business as a Certified Financial Consultant. How was I able to do this? Well I bid my schedules so I could attend classes at the University of Miami. After receiving my MBA in business and my CFC I continued to fly. Why? I enjoyed having two jobs with flexability and the ability to earn great money.
Will I retire? Of course, but I will be ever thankful for what the f/a career has helped create for me and others.
Rusty, you have to be there to understand our lifestyle. Many of us have varied degrees and talents. One of my f/a friends earns well over 300K selling real estate and continues to fly. The travel benefits and insurance and the commarderie are just a few of the reason some of us stay. Yes, we have a right to #### when we are treated as some type of sub-class.