It is not so bad if you plan ahead. For an example I have roughly about 250 hours of cross counties to go. Maybe we should all set goals. Here is my goal: fly 15-20 hours of cross countries a month. Hopefully more. It is very realistic and can be done without being unethical. Which means I should be in good shape in 12-16 months. Ouch. I never thought I'd be instructing for 2-3 years! The game has changed so we have to adapt. By then I would have well over 1500 hours. The other option is to of course find a part 135 gig somewhere. For those new CFIs entering the field bank on working for at least 2 years.