Originally Posted by SkyHigh
Starting over as a new FO at the regionals is unfair to a family who is use to eating and having a father around. There are many impulses that we all have throughout our lives. Most we don't act on. As a father we enter an agreement that we will work in the best interest if our families. Often that means squashing ridiculous selfish wants for the benifit of the family.
As you mentioned being on furlough or quiting due to a forced transfer is diffrent than voluntarily leaving a flying job to pursue a career outside of aviation. It is a career death sentence in the minds of HR people. If he left the airlines once before the odds are strong that he will do it again. As we all know things haven't gotten any easier at the regionals. A desperate regional might take him on but a major wouldn't touch him. To quit a flying job without having another better one in line is right up there with having a few DUI's, it is the end of the line.
SKyHigh
I have to disagree...Initial entry into the 121 world is an ominious challenge, but once you've proven that you can pass checkrides (especially on an RJ!), it's more like applying for a regular job...fairly low key, they will treat you with respect. In my opinion being man enough to make a tough decision like leaving in the first place is the sign of a balanced individual. And people who come back for round two of any challenging endevour (sports, college, military, whatever) are usually determined to see it through the second time. Assuming you left on good terms in the first place. My brother flunked of college as a sophmore the first time, spent some time in purgatory, now he's working on his PhD at a name-brand school.
The HR people aren't too worried about you being a w*ss for leaving before; they're thinking about how they just got an experienced FO for a new hire price!