"You have to pay your dues and get jet PIC time somewhere before you get a contract job."

Pay your dues? Yeah okay like TPIC is something pilots can control. Guys hired in 2004-2005 at many regionals faced a 1 to 2.5 yr upgrade. Many regional FOs hired in 2007-2008 are still FOs now with 6-7+ years of SIC time. So 2004 guys "paid their dues" as 2 year FOs simply due to timing, whereas current 6-7 year FOs haven't "paid their dues?"

Pay your dues = worst phrase in aviation. Every situation is different.