I tried like crazy to avoid the regionals... I flight instructed, flew 135, and flew part 91. It's a long and flaky road trying to network into a GOOD corporate job. There are a lot of bull****ters out there, a lot of owners that can't afford the jets, and a lot of insecure weirdo chief pilots that can make your employment miserable.
I finally said screw it, and decided to try the 121 world. I've been at a regional (SkyWest) for a couple years now. I'm a comfortable line holder living in a large base in an area I love. Honestly, it's been the best aviation job I've had yet. The pay could be better, but once past first year pay it's enough to live comfortably if your finances are in order. Wouldn't want to do it forever, but I would only leave this job for a very good one - a major, legacy, or very good and professionally run corporate flight department.