Some of the FOs I've flown with recently have side jobs processing loans, running websites, and throwing bags for Fed Ex.

If you're not flying 100 hours (or 120 hours if able) a month, you're not doing everything you can at your first job to maximize earnings. Blocking nearly 100hours a month at SkyWest would have your credit up around 110. If you time out in December you should get the monthly guarantee without having to work. I've known plenty of 2nd year FOs that work the system and make 50K+.

I recently applied at Southwest and one of the questions on the app was "how many hours flown in the past 36 months?". Since they ask the question I figure it must be important to them. I've heard that they look for people who like to fly alot (hence will be more productive). A number around 3000 is probably alot more favorable than 2000 etc.

I did 1150hrs of pay last year and only picked up an average of 1 extra day a month. One of the guys I worked with had 1450 hours of credit. Become a friend of scheduling, get work in the training department, etc. When it comes time to move on it will make things even easier.

Start putting money into the 401K plan immediately, and as much as you can.