I disagree with some of the comments about putting their family through horrendous "livable wages", but I'm pretty new to the whole regional industry.

The way I look at it is: my friend's wife and kids have to put up with "livable" wages while head of household finishes up medical school and does residency. They don't see it as abuse from their husband, but as her husband progressing in his career to one day be able to financially support his family without having a second income from a full-time mom. Right now they're just getting by. I don't consider my situation much different. From the time I began training to the time I will upgrade at a regional won't be much longer than my friend's journey through a bachelor's degree, medical school, and residency. Both careers have a high earning POTENTIAL. I don't plan on making a career out of a regional job, but I see it as a necessary step in my career progression, which my family willingly supports me in. Is it a sacrifice? Maybe, but in my family's opinion the future benefits outweigh the sacrifice in both cases (my friend in med school and my aviation career).

Each family has different needs and challenges. In now way does my family's decision reflect what "the right thing to do" is for anyone else and their respective family. Just my .02