Unfortunately some have run into bad luck. I for one was at QX looking at an eternity for upgrade. An opportunity came up to fly cargo in heavy iron...good schedule, quick upgrades, and double the pay. Of course it seemed like a great deal. That is till I was furloughed like the other 90% were at the company. Next thing I know I am a 5 year vet of the business with heavy jet time and no PIC turbine on the street looking at $19 an hour again with 500 hour guys in class with us.

Street captains as mentioned can be good and bad. Pinnacle for example. If you live in MSP is not a bad gig, but if you have to commute you will really hate it as a street captain.