Originally Posted by Captain Dad
My goal is to be happy. Simple, but it involves many complicated issues. I am torn and need help. Do I focus on the tried and true that has never furloughed and pays better or the new folks in big debt that may blow the doors off the joint in the next ten years?
Captain Dad,
Only you can answer the question you pose, because only you (and your significant others) are able to assess your tolerance to risk.
The investment people always include the "prior performance is no GUARANTEE of future performance" phrase as a way to cover their behinds, but prior performance is a DARNED good predictor of future performance. From that perspective, SWA is the clear winner for someone who wants the sure thing. JetBlue doesn't have the history, but they are obviously the real deal, and with youth comes uncertainty. You can upgrade more quickly at Blue and possibly gain QOL quicker because of the likely upward movement.
For me, I can't afford to work as a JB newhire Embraer FO. I could only make a job switch if I could go into a setting where first year money is good, and SWA offers that, at least that's what I hear. Dittos to CAL, great company but the first year pay stinks.
Good Luck,