Originally Posted by CaptCoolHand

I ran a spreadsheet back in 2012 or 2013. I could hold bottom 190ca at the time. Then about a year later I could hold bottom 320ca. That was roughly the 5yr mark for me and i was early 30s. Basically it was to settle an argument with my wife as to if it would be worth it to go to DAL or UAL IF they called.

I ran it as if there was a change to maximize potential. Bottom JB captain vs new hire fo at legacy X. Trying to be fair as possible and not knowing pay rates more than a few years out I did it at min guarantee and added 3%yoy pay increases. I came up with a break even point of 7yrs. This also included 401k contributions and compounding interest.

After that another 30yrs and the difference was in the 7figures as far as earning potential. The problem was every day that went by I was losing seniority and potential earnings at the legacy’s. I have myself two more years and after that became a JB lifer.

Obviously the choice is different for everyone and not commuting was a huge QOL factor you can’t put money on. While JB was never the endgame plan. It’s not a bad spot to hang your hat imo. Again that’s all based on your situation. I get to spend the last 29yrs of my career driving to work sitting with my favorite captain... until UAL buys us again.