FWIW, I went to Amflight after being furloughed from Shuttle America and went from making about 22000 a year to 28000 a year. Because I was willing to move, I was transitioned into the Metro within the first year and was then making over 40000. This isn't typical, but definitely possible if you're willing to move. I don't know that many S5 FO's can touch 40k given that the scale tops at 37/hr (not including per diem, of course), and the last upgrade was Jan 07. I got Turbine PIC much quicker and made much more money then I would at a regional as an FO. Whether 121 Jet time is more valuable is definitely debatable, but I was much happier flying freight than regionals. Also, as a single guy, I never struggled with money while being based in Oakland.