Hello all...I'm a long time lurker here, but do not post very often. Here is my (brief) story. I'm a 5+ year FO at a regional airline. In early December I got dinged on my ATP ride for making a couple stupid mistakes...I blame no one but myself for that. However, just the fact that we have to study for a captain checkride without captain pay is yet one more example of ever increasing tasks placed on us for ever-decreasing net pay. I've now been waiting for nearly a month to get scheduled for my recheck. This was the last straw for me. The very next day after I failed my ride, I determined to leave the industry, and I began to search for government or government contractor jobs near Washington DC, where I can use my MBA. My reasons are as follows, in no particular order.

1. With new ATP requirement, being asked to do more and more, while getting paid less and less.
2. I’ve sacrificed my 20s for this job, and still live like I’m in college due to the low pay. We've put off having a family because of it.
3. Upgrade is still a long way off, could happen in the next year, but unlikely.
4. Once upgrade, will likely have to commute to another base and be on reserve for at least a year, will not be home very often.
5. Once at a major, back on reserve with minimal pay, for several years. Possibility of furlough for years after getting hired.
6. I’m tired of all the stress that comes with the job, both directly (wx, pax, mtx, crew sked, reduced rest, etc.) and indirectly (family problems caused by the job).
7. I now have a checkride failure on my record.
8. Ever-decreasing time at home. For the first time, I WANT to be home every night.
9. The opportunities for steady income are much higher with non-flying jobs.
10. Every year (or 6 months) my job is put on the line.

There you have it. To those staying in, I have the utmost respect...this is in no way to dissuade you all from your hopes and dreams. These are just my personal reasons for leaving. I have made the most of my little "vacation"; I've applied for over 30 jobs in the DC area so far. Best of luck to you all.