Airline flying is almost unique in having a work space which is small and where you are strapped to a seat beside someone else !
For the first officer it's a great learning environment, here you are always flying with a very experienced pilot who has a lot of knowledge to pass on.
However, people are not all the same, and like any job, some people you work with are nicer than others.
But what you may not realize at first is that some Captains are known for their attitude and being difficult to work with, just when you think you are doing well, you get a day with one of these Captains that could ruin your confidence and leave you feeling like you're not making progress.
The more experience you get, the more you hear other First Officers and Captains mention these people and you then realize that maybe that's just the way they are.
These Captains also seem to be the one's those First Officers are often sick or on time off, and those flights are frequently 'open' for the reserve pilots to cover. Funny co-incidence?
One thing to consider too is that not all Captains were instructors, nor do they want to be. That could make a difference in their ability to give guidance, make corrections and still allow you to continue flying the aircraft during for example a challenging cross-wind landing.
However, no matter how badly someone makes you feel, sometimes there is a valuable lesson to be learnt, even if expressed inappropriately, and once the disappointment from the negative experience passes, then you can consider what that point really was.
It's difficult to please everyone, some Captains - "I've been here twenty years" don't want the First Officer to be 'looking over their shoulder' and others are so laid back it's almost essential the First Officer fills in the gaps....but most Captains are very cool, and promote a very enjoyable working environment, one of mutual respect were they value input at any time of the flight, from all the crew.
Ultimately experience helps in working with different types of people, and in recognizing how you yourself are doing.
