I did it, wasn't easy and took some sacrifices... what's a vacation? lol. Everyone's situation is different. Sign up for daily alerts on places like Indeed or JSfirm, scour this forum, search for businesses at your local airports who may have opportunities. Expect to be working holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, other important dates... get the idea?

1- How did you land your part 135 job? It seems almost everyone I read about builds their hours as CFIs. Was this a lucky break, a personal connection, and is there part of you that wishes you went down the CFI route?
- I slowly built up hours and ratings paying as I went with minimal debt. I did end up instructing for a bit to help get some hours and a line on a resume (I'm not ashamed to admit that). I enjoyed teaching some students more than others. Happy I did it as it gives you more confidence when someone is looking at you to know what you're doing. For god sakes tho, take being a CFI seriously.

2- It sounds like you started flying for a living in 2018. If you don't mind me asking, what were your annual earnings like each year since?
- Made about $1,000/week instructing. Entering the 135/regional world, expect anywhere from $30-60k/year depending on several factors.

3- What does your time away from family look like?
- Depends on what kind of job you take. Could be home every night, could be gone two weeks at a time.

4- Any advice for others making a similar transition from a high paying job in a HCOL?
- Have your finances in order, minimal debt and healthy savings that you're okay dipping into. Depending on several factors, expect to make under $60k/year for at least two years and budget for that to be extended to four.