I'm at 760TT and 22Multi. I have been instructing since 2006 and I have an A.A.S degree in Professional Aviation.
I started flying in 2003... It seems like building flight time takes forever! I'm shocked when I see peoples log books that have 4,000hrs or 10,000hrs! How do these people get so many hours! I'm dying to fly that much!

I was recently laid off from a regional airline (worked in SOC). I'm in good standing with that airline. They moved to another state and I was invited to help with the transition. I helped out while the company moved and even stayed on to make sure the new office was settled in before I left.

Since I have been laid off I recently picked up the ATP-121 written test study material. I have been studying it for about 7 days and I feel like I could be ready within the next 10-14 days. I just decided to take this test for fun and to keep me sharp.
I also went in and updated my medical to a 1st class last month. I figured I'll try and see if I could get in with a regional airline before the new FAA requirements go into place next May.

The last few months it seems like the regional airlines have lifted their mins from 700hrs to 1200 and some have even gone up to the 1500hr mark... I think I missed the boat.

I'm contemplating going back to college for something completely different but it's tough to walk away from something I have been doing for the last 9 years and something I have invested so much money into. But at the rate I'm going (100 flight hrs per year) I won't be eligible for a regional airline for another 10 years.

I'm wondering if anyone has been able to build flight time really fast prior to going to the regional airlines?
I just want to make 1 last good run at this dream before next fall?

Also I'm not willing to pay for SIC time... I would rather leave the industry than ruin it.

Anyone else in a similar boat out there also?
What are your plans?