FSU, I have flown with numerous FO's that had lower employee numbers (we don't reuse #'s) than mine because they had been Mechanics, Ops Agents, rampers, Training center instructors, etc. They worked for SWA while doing flight training, quit under good terms, went to a commuter/regional or military and then got rehired at SWA as a pilot and issued their original employee #. You have the opportunity to make some good contacts/recommendations if you do a good job. Best of luck to you.