I'm a 747 Captain, but I was hired in 2011... I'd be lying if I told you that I wasn't kicking myself for not going to American Eagle instead. I'd probably have been at AA for 2 years now.

Still.... Look at it from the perspective of anyone younger than about 35... If you go to Envoy you have a GUARANTEE at AA in 8-9 years. Your pay will probably be better as an FO, but I'm guessing worse as a Captain. You might get hired before your 9 years are up. Worst case scenario if you're 35? 20 years at AA. Retirement in the Florida Keys.

Come to Atlas... Live off a credit card for a full year at 20% interest. Spend 5 years paying it off... 3 as an FO and 2 as a CA. Hope someone calls AND you make it through the interview process. Spend $5,000 on every interview you don't get through. Worst case scenario if you're 23? 42 years at Atlas - or worse if it folds. Retirement working till the day you die as a greeter at Wal Mart so that Management gets a 3rd Yacht in the Florida Keys.