As someone who worked at TSA for a year, let me clear up a few things.

1) Reserving your seniority then not returning for class will not show up as any type of failure on your record. It's no big deal, and the majority of the people who did the SRP with me did not show back up. I did it, and was glad I did while I worked there as it allowed me to get off reserve rather quick

2)I don't regret my time at TSA, but I made a mistake going there. All their pilot bases are also bases for another regional, so if that's why you're making the choice to go there, choose the other regional (and I mean literally ANY of the other regionals). If you're commuting to a TSA base this is even more of a reason not to work there, as you can commute to another regionals base just as easy.

3)The QOL at TSA is one of the worst of ALL the regionals. I know every regional guy complains about QOL, but its all based on perspective. I promise you the QOL at TSA is much worse than other regionals, both based on my experience at TSA and from friends who are unfortunately still stuck there. Leaving TSA was one of the best decisions I made, as my QOL improved, my love for the job improved. I got junior manned 2-3 times a month for 5 months straight. I missed family events that I was suppose to have off for, missed time with my wife, and missed free time just overall.

I can't stress enough that even if you need to wait 4-5 months for a training date at another regional, there's a REASON why they have wait times and TSA does not. Think about it, if TSA was a good company to work for, why would people not be flocking in and the classes full? The regionals that pay well, and have a decent QOL (because they have adequate reserves, which TSA does not) have a wait time. Just plan accordingly and start applying early so by the time you get your hours you have a class date starting in the next month.

If anyone wants more info feel free to message me.