Originally Posted by BoilerUP

IMO

Get a regional job yesterday.

Low-time 91 in a light/midsize jet can be a trap; compensation tends to be a bit better and QOL often better, but flight time builds FAR too slowly for typical career progression. Today, regional compensation is much better than it used to be even 5-6 years ago.

You’ll need another 3k+ hours total and at least 1500 TPIC to be a competitive applicant at a legacy...one way will get you there MUCH quicker than the other.

My career progression:

121 regional from 1000-2400tt (23 months)
91 light jet from 2400-5000tt (6.75 years)
Major 121 cargo 5000tt-today (5+ years)

What’s better for me? Schedule, vacation, pay, retirement, health benefits. The 91 gig was nicer/newer equipment, platinum AMEX for expenses, and working for great people.

Over 30 years, staying put would have cost me 3-4 million dollars in straight pay, with no consideration of retirement worth another couple million at least. Not a hard decision to make...