Seems like since the first day I joined this forum, all I ever hear is the poor conditions at the regionals. Our old friend, SkyHigh, used to write eloquently about how a person should not go into aviation because paying $40,000 to $150,000 in training for a job that pays $16 an hour was simply stupid. There have been threads about packing food for a 4 day trip (difficult, but not impossible), taking on side jobs (anybody become a bouncer yet?), whether one ought to accept a job at GoJets (consensus is NO), whether the flight attendants at Skywest are hot (apparently they are), whether going to ATP was better or worse than the local FBO (jury still out, but FBO is pulling ahead), and whether your wife should work (apparently she should).

We have all heard of the hiring frenzy that is still going on. Over the last few months, several have said they are new FOs, and now I am curious and would like to know how you are doing.

Is it what you thought it would be? Would you do it again? What would you change? What do you see as the biggest challenge in the next 3 months? What advice do you have for others who may want to follow in your footsteps? Do you think you will stay with it or change careers? Do you have any regrets?

I am interested in personal anecdotes, but not antidotes to the ills of the industry. You don't have to say which airline you're with or reveal any details that might identify you. This is my first thread in Regionals so try not to say things that will cause the moderators to shut it down.