Myself and a few other CPs at my unit are in a similar situation and have been weighing these options. We hhave gone back and forth as to the best plan of action to put us in the running for the Majors.

My current situation:

I instructed before joining a Reserve -130 unit and currently have tad over 2000TT. Only 300 or so is in the Herk, and the remainder is mostly single engine instructing time, some light dual, and a couple hundred from UPT (T-1 pipeline).

I was lucky enough to stay on constant orders through all of training/prog tour/and now a deployment. When we return this summer, it will be time to come off the teat...and either begin the bum life or get a "real" job.

As much as I do not want the regional lifestyle, I feel it would be the fastest way to accrue hours before the Majors really pick up hiring. An added benefit will be having the 121 experience on the resume. I am currently looking at XJT, since they seem to be one of the only options to be based near home (ATL). (I have also looked into some fractional gigs flying the be-400, but most seem to have very high TT requirements)

Bumming would be by far the easier life, but with hours building at a rate of 300-400 a year (if I'm lucky after these budget cuts), it could be quite a while before I would be competitive. On the other hand, committing all of my time to the unit would likely land me in the left seat sooner to begin building the all mighty multi turbine PIC time.

Given the current outlook with future airline hiring, what do you think would be the smartest career move? What would you do if you were in my shoes? I see benefits and negatives to both sides - figured I would get some of you guys' opinion on the subject.

Thanks in advance for you insight!