Alot of great comments here so not much I can add. I've worked in the airline industry since 1979 & you would not believe how long it took me to get that first airline job.(Well heck I'll tell you it took 1974-1979) I applied to every airline I could think of & probably some I couldn't think of LOL. It was an honor to be an airline employee, now I will not tell anyone or wear anything that hints I may even work for an airline. I make less money now than I did 10 years ago with everything much higher in costs. So why do I stay ? Well if I'm lucky will "retire" in a year or so & move on from there.
Also as far as hiring goes now imo my airline hires anyone walking & breathing who can pass the background checks & they have a very hard time doing that.