A trueism for sure. Unfortunately, when airlines hire everybody gets a job. When not hiring nobody gets hired. Your career is all about timing. I have a 4 year degree, no violations, etc. Hasn't done me any good as airlines haven't hired in 10 years.

Now they are hiring. Take the job now with a regional and school part time for the degree. Lots of online degree options at major schools are available.

Reminds me of the old joke "By the time I got out of college all the good jobs were taken".