Originally Posted by CFIddle

I've been functionally out of the aviation business for 5 years. I'm looking into the state of the industry and just wanted to get some quick takes on where to look if I were to get back in.

The facts:
30 yrs old, Comm/Multi 2300TT, 700 Multi, 500 Turbine SIC most as 135 Charter time, 1200 Dual Given, 4 Year Degree + Master's Degree, clean records, Still an active CFI-II with my own plane - <100 hours a year.

I have a job outside aviation that I do like, pays decent, about 90k, potential for 120k eventually. home every night, great schedule, great benefits. Great wife, great kid.

I was a young 1200 hour pilot back in 2008 when everything went to hell and got laid off from 135 work, no airlines hiring so I decided to stay out and get the masters. Ended up back in 135, and left that to come make some money at the job I'm currently at.

I'm beginning to look into flying for a living again. From what I can see, I'm stuck in a middle ground between "can't afford to work for a regional" and can't get hired somewhere with good pay.

Is anyone able to provide some perspective on how I fit into the 121 world and where I might want to direct efforts? What would you do if you were in my shoes and wanted to get back into flying? I don't think 135 is the life for me anymore. I'd also be open to any management possibilities. I appreciate any help.