Originally Posted by AnotherEagleGuy

While I completely recommend against leaving your current career for a regional, if you MUST do it, taking a leave of absence is a good idea if it is a available option. Training is generally around 2 months long and another month or two on the line enjoying life on reserve should give you a taste of regional life, which should be enough to help you make a decision. Also, if for some reason training goes south, you have something to fall back on.

Two other pieces of advice.
1. If you like where you live, pick an airline that is based there. Commuting sucks.
2. Avoid airlines that have any kind of "term commitment". You shouldn't have to promise to work anywhere for any certain period of time, especially if it turns out to be a really crappy airline, which most regionals are.

In conclusion, flying is a great hobby.... And should be kept that way.