I mean money aside, a new hire isn’t going to flow that quick anyway so career progression in my opinion is less of a factor. If you think you can get hired outside of the flow in a quicker time frame then yes, you will save 6 months. However, I wouldn’t want to commute again, regardless of the extra time as in the long run those six months won’t matter that much if things stay the same, but if things change for the worse flying a jet that is based where you live would be huge.

Thankfully we are on good times right now and you have options. Just understand that most will tell you not to commute but there are tons and tons that still do it. Good luck.