I'd say it was pretty much what I thought it would be. I had friends in the industry before hand and was pretty involved in reading the message boards and speaking to everyone I could before deciding to join the industry last November. I would do it all again, from instructing for over 2 years getting experience to the regional I chose.

My biggest challenge for the next three months? Trying to stay a line holder. At my company its not the base closures that will push me back to reserve, it's a combination of a slower schedule and the fact that every new hire wants out of JFK and I continue to get closer to the bottom while not getting any farther from the top.

My advice for people looking to get into it - Don't go to a pilot factory. Don't go to Riddle or one of the expensive universities. If you want to go to an aviation university, see if your state has a state university that could save you money. Save your money and go to a local FBO and work hard. CFI for longer than 6 months -1 year. Don't spend more than you make (but thats just general advise for all of America).

When picking a regional, don't pick one for fastest upgrade or easiest place to get hired with the lowest minimums so you don't have to "waste time instructing". Pick one that works best for you. Meaning, a domicile close to home or an easy commute. Pick a place that if God-forbid something happens to our industry again and that "fast upgrade" disappears or the majors stop hiring and your stuck at the company you are at you can at least stay there somewhat happily and afford to live.

As far as changing careers... sometimes during cruise on a crystal clear day looking out over the country I couldn't imagine being couped up in an office doing the same thing day after day. But again, it's not that I COULDN'T do something else, it's just that I wouldn't want to.

*Steps down from soap box*