Currently am a regional captain. Getting apps out to the majors, but nothing doing yet. Nothing doing with ATI either, which is one of my top choices if the majors don't call. Everyone says avoid Atlas (they do email or call me from time to time but I'm trying to steer clear).
I know the prevailing attitude is to stay 121 if you want to get anywhere in that world. However I know FedEx has hired 135 guys (whether they had previous 121, idk) as has jetBlue and probably others as well.
My dream is to fly FedEx or UPS; the type of airplanes, the lifestyle, etc.. suit me perfectly. Of course United or Delta or American, etc, would be great as well.
I just don't want to be stuck at the regional so long I'm condemned to it; I enjoy it and flying a regional jet with 5 MEL's on a 5-leg day with a green FO still beats cleaning the bathrooms at a truckstop; believe me I'm not complaining.

All that being said, I really want to see more of the country (world, if possible) and am considering going to 135 (XOJET comes to mind) and making a career there; if FedEx or UPS called me (I'd keep my apps in), then I'd go for it, but if it never happened, I know I'd enjoy XO, and could just stay there and not be facing forced retirement either.

Has this strategy worked for anyone else or is this a lousy idea??