Pec,
If you're posting in a "recruits only" forum, and then go on to ask how the system works, you're not going to get a lot of responses, because recruits have no idea how things work.
My suggestion is that you go into the recruiting forums, and spend a goodly amount of time scanning those threads, as most of the questions you have, have already been asked ad-nauseum, and answered.
Short answer, reserves are part time, and most reservists either have regular jobs, or are pursuing full time education outside of the armoury. Reg Force is your occupation and career.
Joining the reserves is a good indicator if you'll be a good fit for the CF. However if you want to do so as a career, you will then have to apply for a CT ( Component Transfer) to do so. I know several individuals who have been reserve for years, and have been waiting for a CT for years as well.