I have 1400 hours dual given, 550 mel. 2000 TT Thats enough. I'm 23. Unfortunately the regionals don't pay well, but there isn't a better way to gain the experience required to go to the majors or to cargo at a quick rate. I've flown corporate for a while in a 310 and a malibu and I can say from experience that I think it sucks. Being tied to a cell phone isn't fun. At least you have days off at the airlines and after the first year it is livable. Who wants to make a career at the regionals anyway? Choose a good regional, that way if something happens that you stay there then life isn't that bad. Airlines have never paid well the first year. Stayin in instructing is a dead end once you've got the time to move on. Stayin in one place too long can be just as detrimental to a career as anything else. Instructing is hands down in my opinion the best way to get quality experience but there comes a time when you need to move on. The pay sucks the first year but you have to remember that you are investing in your self (the same way student loans are productive because you are getting an education). Unfortunately there is always someone who will work for cheaper. There is no way that anyone should sacrifice their time and wait for the regionals to pay more. It would be great if they did but its the experience and quality time we are chasing at the regionals, not the pay check.