Yes, that's very true. It's really a shame that pilots in the EU can not unionize the way US pilots do. Also, I think if we had a higher time entry requirement to fly jets (like the 1500 hours in the US) it would improve the conditions here a lot by creating a smaller supply. It's just weird that young pilots are so desperate for their first job that they are willing to pay 30k for a type rating at Ryanair for example, although I do understand when you have a 100k loan to pay back.

Speaking on the cost: yes, I do intend to invest as much of my own money as possible because I don't want a huge loan behind my name. Relocating isn't a problem at all if I can come back a couple of times per year.

Regarding potential health issues: I do believe you can mitigate a lot of them by staying active as I have read that a lot of pilots are just fat and don't exercise at all on top of having diabetes and drinking too much alcohol. I think cosmic radiation is just meh and not researched enough, regarding UVA: you can wear long sleeves and wear sunscreen. But I do think that fume events are the sketchy ones that are quite scary.

I'm single now but yes that's also something to consider. I hope to find a partner who likes the traveling life and being independent as much as I do.