Your quality of life at any regional would be greatly increased if your wife/family was willing to relocate into whatever base you were awarded. While I've been at CHQ less than a year, I commute and get an "ok" schedule. May is the best I've ever seen by far, so I'm a little excited. My counterparts that moved into base (and actually bid below me) get about 1-2 days MORE off a month and do not work 4 day trips (which means they spend the night in their own bed more often).

I can't tell you how to work your finances only earning 18K a year. My hope would be that you would bypass the 18K a year job (read as Mesa/GoJets) and hold out for a 23-26K a year job (read as Xjet/RAH/SKW according to what I hear). I can tell you this though, as a 1st year FO at CHQ, I've been able to pay all my bills, live pretty happily, and save about $3K since I've started working. It's all about discipline (and yea, I definately go out on overnights and have fun). Plus, by hanging around doing the CFI thing longer, it will allow a more gradual transition into the airline life as your wife grows accustom to you flying all the time.

I will not "discourage" anyone from getting into this profession. So far it has treated me right...but I've also had very open eyes about it from the beginning. While the feel good thread is nice to read, you definately need to know the good, the bad, and the ugly before jumping into this profession.

P.S. - I would give it all up if it was affecting my marriage/relationship with my kids (don't have either yet). Being happy at your job is important...being happy in your life is more important.

P.P.S. - It's time for Jack and Coke #3