If I had to do it all over again, I would use a program like AllATP's and get it done. When I got my ATP, I used their course. I was amazed at how much quality (multi-engine) time my instructor had racked up in such a short amount of time. Basically, it took him maybe a year to accrue the flight time it took me 3-4 years, working on my own through Part 61 schools and as a CFI, and I never got as much multi-time (piston) as he did. Plus, he had professional networking opportunities I never had simply working as a CFI. I forget which regionals he had guaranteed interviews at, but it certainly made life that much easier for him.
The reality of the matter is, if you want to fly for a living with the airlines, you've just entered a race, one against time, other pilots, and yourself. The airlines are starting to hire, and the wave is coming. The sooner you can get on that wave the better your career will be. Delta at 33? Or United? American? Not only possible, but likely.
Point well taken. This is, of course, the other side of the argument, and it does have quite a bit of merit. I'll just have to save up some cash and weigh my opportunities. Like I said earlier, I would
really like to work full time on getting the ratings done and building time, but I want to make sure its worth my while when I do so. Thank you.
Also, I've looked at ATP, but i've heard some horror stories that contrast with your instructor's, which actually sounds pretty good. I guess I would need to look at the specific school, and its reputation, which I know varies between locations.