Interesting topic here on the comparison of military/fractional/121 gigs. Military i can't speak for personally, however my father and brother were/are military pilots so I have a little idea. Nothing but respect here for those guys, the only few I don't enjoy flying with are the ones that show up to work thinking every flight is a "mission". (Ice-Man, the later years)
As far as 121/Frac. pilot jobs compare, I have experienced first hand. I have thousands of 121 time, including F/O regional, Capt at regional, and 737 old school and NG airline time. I am currently at a fractional as a Captain.
This fractional job is the most challenging job i've ever had BY FAR. It's not even close to comparing how easy overall an airline job is. At the airline, everything is done for you....fractional the Capt. has to decide EVERYTHING. I miss the days of an airport analysis book, a dispatch release complete with flight plan, fuel load, wx, weight and balance done, knowing I can get back out of some airport if i land there because the airline has already figured it out, knowing exactly what to expect when i land and begin a taxi b/c the airport is familiar, alternates already chosen by the company, people to clean and service the airplane (including the crapper), company mechanics at almost every station, CSR's and F/A's to deal with pax... I could keep going here.
Someone earlier mentioned that the tough part 121 pilots have to deal with is F/A's and Tug drivers.....come on man. Dealing with F/A's at your descretion is waaaaay simpler than some rich ash-hole screaming in your ear during a go-around in congested airspace IMC, talking with ATC and flying the published miss all at the same time. Having a tug push you around in congested ramp space is the best, it's out of your hands....now i'm taxiing an airplane at night around a crowded, not well lit ramp and it's all on me. I'll take a tug driver anyday!
Listen as I said, I've done both...infact i have 4 times as much airline time than frac. I like the airline gig better, but frac flying requires tons more thinking and planning. Why you ask did i leave 121?
I left my last 121 gig for a few reasons, but one reason was to get more PIC time b/c that's what airlines want to see. The frac. job is giving me that and now that i have a good amount of PIC, CO is asking me why would i leave the 121 737 right seat gig? I can't freakin win here.
If they only knew what it was like.
Can't wait to get back to the country club airline gig...a 4 day trip will seem so short
