Hi all, joining the discussion...retired Sept '13, 4 yrs out of the cockpit myself. Took immediate employment with Air Wisconsin and just like the advice previous, got the ATP, type rating and PLENTY of currency now, and I didn't have to pay for it but rather got paid (though only in peanuts...literally). I'm at ~270 hrs since finishing OE late December. AWAC does not do training contracts and they fully endorse being used as a stepping stone into the majors. They actually don't want senior pilots (expensive) but would rather have a moderate turnover rate with a lot of FOs being paid 1st / 2nd yr pay. Just waiting on a call from the big boys, any second now , I'm holding my breath...
BTW, QOL is a definite improvement from DC staff officer life, especially cause I live in domicile. 4-5 trips into Reagan per month, absolutely no work or responsibilities outside of flying my line. Seeing a lot more of my family now. Food for thought.