Erik
I am not going to get into this $7000 discussion
Alot of the guys telling you to jump at this job are single. If you have a job that allows you to fly nice equipment and see your family that sounds pretty good to me.
If you have any reservations about taking this job that should be it (and it sounds like it is), not the $7000.
Its a great company dont get me wrong. I have been here for about 2 1/2 years. But it is hard to justify moving a family every six months to a year, which means you have to jumpseat back home on the weekends. That is no picnic, you spend the whole time wondering if you will be able to get back. So you will do what I did and buy tickets half the time to ensure you can get back to work. You might luck out and get a run near home or bid something near home 6-8 months after you start.
Having said all that, we all knew getting into this that the first 5-10 years would require alot of moving. People who complain about this remind me of teachers who complain about low pay; they knew getting into the profession the pay sucks. Your family will have to be flexable.
I am sure you were aware of all this, and your intelligence has probably been insulted by reading my condescending rant. I just had not seen the situation addressed in this way.
This isnt me trying to keep the competition out, I have too much senority with airnet for you to affect me.
I am sure you know as well or better than me how hard it is going for long periods of time without seening your family.
Good luck,
usc