Wow, I made almost $30,000 10 years ago fresh out of college as a 2ndLt.

I now make over $100,000 according to the propaganda published in my statement of military compensation (I only see about 80 of that), which means my 1200 TT and 800 PIC time in a Hornet means I need a regional job for a year or two to qualify for the major's, probably more unless I can get a guard or reserve job to bump up my PIC time quicker than waiting for the upgrade at a regional. Don't get me wrong, military flying was fun, but it sure ain't easy. I paid my dues once already, whether it was studying for a flight as a student, or living in a tent in the middle of the desert with no a/c and flying 6 hour missions on 2 hours sleep. I sure as $hit ain't looking forward to making $20,000 a year to start. You can do that at McDonalds or 7-11 with no college degree and no experience.

If I had it my way, I'd be able to get a job flying that would be able to at least match my base pay right now, and match my current standard of living the second year. Do I expect that to happen? No. But I sure wouldn't turn it down if it was offered.