. I went from 100k a year as an instructor at a regional to 17k take home at a major the first year. Why? Who the f*** knows, but I know for a fact that I'm making more now than a 13 year Capt at a regional after 4 years. And it keeps going up while under a concessionary contract that blows.....ie POS 02. We'll see who's on top in a few years...........
Really? Base pay for a 12 year instructor at XJT is $115,500 and that is not a moment of extra time, which all those greedy bastards take, realistically they make north of $160,000 with an exceptional QOL. Line pilot makes a base of $81,000 without any extra time and will have at least 16 days off, and all holidays off and very good 401k contribution from the company, and good health insurance with a 90% coverage. And that's under a concessionary contract as well.
In the end I would agree with you, and take the major job because I don't trust the subcontractor's future, but I certainly wouldn't say that it's an easy or correct choice.