There are far more bad corporate jobs than good ones, so keep that in mind.
So true. If you guys are looking to bail to a corporate outfit, slow down a bit and ask around. Everyone of us knows a few corporate guys, ask them to find out what they can about the operation before you fall for the "grass is greener" syndrome and dump your seniority.
There are FANTASTIC corporate gigs out there - a few of you guys have them. Congrats. I miss wearing polos and slacks when I fly very much. But I've been on both sides of the fence and I can say that the one thing I have never regretted was taking the time to ask the right questions from realistic people that actually are "in the know" on a company. They might be current or former pilots for the operation, line guys, or mechanics that work with the company a lot. Granted, a mechanic might not seem like a likely source of info, but they can tell you how the DO or CP feels about maintenance and if they pay their bills on time.
A company can rent a nice hanger and put a new paint job on a P.O.S jet and suddenly their shade tree flight department looks half decent. Those companies are usually gone within a few years and the ones that manage to make it longer are some of the worst places to work... Low pay, contracts, add the aircraft to a 135 cert to "help make more money" with an airplane that they really can't afford to own, etc.
If you can get a good corporate or fractional gig, great! Another poster said the key words: Networking is the greatest (non-flying) skill you can have in your aviation career. THAT is the key to getting the good jobs as the smart companies already have the pilot in mind for the job before they even posted the position. If you get that golden corporate gig, stay in touch with the buddies you make in training, contract pilots you fly with, and be nice to the line guys. You never know where your next job tip will come from. Heck, I was layed off over the phone
while on a trip! If it wasn't for networking, I would have been in real trouble.
Just my $.02 and good luck making your choice.