I sat reserve in base for 3+ years. It was a living hell that almost forced me to leave aviation. A job I have dreamed about since being a kid and worked hard to get. The idea of commuting to reserve, to a base that line holders are only getting 2 days off, with a CS staff that has demonstrated to me multiple times how much they care about our "contract" does not even sound remotely appealing.

Plus I don't think the PIC will be the end all that everyone says. We have lost almost as many FO's as Captain's over the past couple months here. Word is many of our FO's are moving on to legacy and majors.

Until we get some actual reserve rules (I know, the reserve re-write is right around the corner) I will not upgrade unless I can hold a line. I will make more money picking up trips as an FO vs. reserve as a Captain. I worked for years to come into an industry that had the music stop when age 65 went into effect and the economy crashed. Forgive me if I am cautious to make sure I am not put into a position where I will ever be forced to answer a 435 phone number.