Originally Posted by PHLGovFlyer

A good friend is a FO for UA. Prior to 9/11 he flew translant 767s as a FO and then essentially got pushed back to being an Airbus FO as the airline shrank. In the interim his life has changed (married, kids, home ownership, etc.) so now, by choice, he is a VERY senior Airbus FO.

He could have moved up to larger aircraft or to captain on the Airbus or another aircraft but he chooses not to. He really values being able to essentially fly when and where he wants to. He could make make more money but he'd have much less control over his life and schedule and he'd away from home for longer periods.