Multiple pilots at United told Reuters that senior first officers have been avoiding promotion to captain as they do not want the unpredictable schedule that comes with the bigger paycheck,
But it does raise a question, what does motivate pilots these days if not money?
The schedule is not more unpredictable for captains it is just seniority based as is the first officer scheduling. If they move up to captain, they are then lowest in seniority and get the crap schedule.
If history is any guide, proportionally fewer female pilots than male will seek the unpredictable full-time Captain’s schedule.
That is 100% why my bro-in-law has never been a pilot. He’s happy with a regular schedule and good pay as a co-pilot. He has flown for a couple big airlines.
I thought it used to be layovers with the flight attendants.
Today? Not sure, as I think it's still the same flight attendants all these years later.
-PJ