OTOH, were I actually working a full line at my LCC and not on mil leave, I'd make around 60k as a 3rd year FO flying close to 1000 hours. Due to my (admittely self imposed) commute, I'd have 1 or possibly 2 days at home per week and spend 20+ hours per week commuting in coach in addition to my line flying. Yes, I could move, but why move for a job you hope not to keep? (I'm still saying 3 years later)

After running the numbers, and considering the active duty retirement (the biggie), tax benefits, health care, etc, I WAS making the equivilant of mid - high level captain pay while on active duty. And that's not considering the ACIP I passed up. Getting out turned out to be a pretty bad financial decision for me, at least so far. There's still hope for UPS/FDX though I suppose.....

My point? For every story like Lil J's, there's a counter story. Yes, active duty sucks, but I separated for improved quality of life and higher earning potential - I got neither.