Hello all,

Long time lurker, and first time poster. I was recently hired and offered a class date for November. I am currently employed with a carrier that is based in Europe. I have a home and family living in Europe. I live a very comfortable life right now.

I am here to ask few questions and prepare my self for the upcoming transition. I must acknowledge that it has been my dream to be a part of Southwest and I am blessed to have gotten closer to it. However, I am also nervous of the following:

1. Training pay
2. 1st year pay
3. Reserve and QOL.

I have been preparing my self and my wife for this transition. What I would like to know is some realistic numbers for both pay, and day off. How much money can I realistically make if I were to bust my behind in year 1? How many minimum days can I have off during reserve period? I understand and read it is around 15.

Please, share your experience, strategies, and technics to cope with the financial transition, at least for the first year. I do plan to move back to U.S and also in base, once I am awarded the base I seek (either BWI or LAS).

Thank you in advance,

Much Luv.