Uh, check the payscales again. I don't think even MESA pays that low for a jet captain... I don't think any of the three have 1st-year captains. I'm on pace to make captain in 20-22 months here at "Chamiqua".... and I was NOT promised that in my interview (they told us 3-5 years). However, our pilot group has grown by almost 80 percent since I was hired, AND attrition above me has taken away almost 8 percent of the list above me. So I wouldn't tell anyone hired at CHQ now to expect that quick an upgrade. BTW if I upgrade while I'm still on 2nd year pay my pay on the 135/140 (our lowest) would be just under 50K.miles otoole said:Go to Chamiqua, PSA or Mesa. I believe the upgrade times are around a year. 25 years old flying as a CA making around 35K ain't too shabby. 3-4 years there and off to WN, AWA or who knows in 5 years. The big complainers seem to be the folks who are pissed they went to COEX/EAGLE, et al., and are still sitting in the right seat after 4-5 years. They did it the hard way, so should you.
That, or take a trip to Thailand and get the jewels snipped.
Now to answer the original question: Yes, I love the job. No, I don't think I'm paid enough for it, in either seat. Is it worth it? So far, yes. I'm one of those who believe while I'm here (CHQ or the Regionals in general) I need to do what I can to leave the job in better shape than I found it. Both in QOL and Pay. We'll see if I still feel that way in 5-10 years.