There is a reason why I never come to airline forums. I had an opportunity back in 2007 to go to the regionals and decided to flight instruct some more because I listened to the negative people on this forum under a different username.
Now with actual first hand experience at Mesa no less, I can safely say that I wish I had done this sooner and that it has been the best aviation job I have had yet.
I am not trying to force feed anyone the kool aid, but for those of you out there who are thinking about going to a regional, don't listen to the negative people, and don't fall for the overly positive people either. You need to experience it for yourself and make your own mind up based on your own experience.
You know why I went to Mesa? They were the first ones that said yes. I can say that I am very glad I did.
I don't discredit anyone else's opinion on the matter, their opinions are shaped by their own personal experiences and are perfectly valid FOR THEM.
I can tell you this, the second Mesa has trouble filling classes, we will have a new contract at our doorstep to sign. There is no way J.O. is going to let slip away the United E175 contract due to a pilot shortage.
And I am not going to defend the regional industry, or bash it. We do contract flying, we are forced to be competitive against each other, by the very laws of nature, this is what happens. Get out of the regionals as quickly as you can. You are a foolish to think otherwise.