My reference is more in lines with the hiring that has happened in the last 18 months. If he or she hasn't found something better than regional FO at Envoy in the last 18 months, and is now still just a 5.5 year FO at Envoy, then he or she might not be the best person to give advice.

There are people that entered flight school 5.5 years ago, were hired by a regional 4 years ago that have upgraded to Captain, and then moved up to a LCC already. With an Airbus or 737 type at a LCC and a couple thousand hours, they will move to the majors much faster than a CRJ FO, or even captain, and make much more money while doing so. That would be career progression and someone that you should talk to.

Get a college degree. Get TPIC. Get your applications out. Get your butt to a few job fairs. Get the he77 out of the regionals!

Don't be stagnant.