Fellow pilots,

I come here looking for career advice. Figure you guys could shed some light on some of my options.

I am currently an FO with a smaller part 135 cargo/on demand charter operation. It is known, however with the interest of discretion I would prefer to leave it un-named.

Here is my deal. I was very lucky. As in I grabbed my commercial at ATP , then tried and successfully nabbed a right seat job with a 135 operator. I was hired with very low time and was very lucky to be placed in the right seat of a King Air 200. I was thrown the book with very little training, busted my ass, and passed the checkride. I was thrilled with my new gig! I was not paid much but, alas I was happy to be there! I did my time, learned from the more experienced bunch of pilots who happily showed me the ropes and flew on. I signed an 18 monther, which I was more than happy to do. At 500 hours, as they needed, they upgraded me to a Lear 35. Now, I am not one to lie. I again, busted my ass and passed the checkride with the help of my fellow aviators. They helped me tremendously as did our checkairman, who was great and treated it more as a learning experience than an end all, be all pass or fail.

I love flying for these guys and love the Captains I am flying with. I also know that a guy like me (850tt, 600 Turbine in an 135 environment) is still considered "low time." However I do have a Lear-Jet SIC type, and all things considered very desirable time for such low total time that I do actually have.

My only issue is that I have left an occupation that paid much more, and I have been bleeding money since taking this gig (without one raise) I am about to run out. So, my question being (from a guy who didn't get his ATP written done before the deadline)....What are my options? Should I seek better employment? Should I walk away from a Lear/King Air right seat gig? Or just bide my time until I have better mins?
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I have been a member of this site since I was in private training and have always respected the opinions of my peers. I do want to end up doing 121 Major flying. Just don't know what to do at this juncture!

Thanks for your opinions in advance!