Whether or not the first year pay rate is justified is really a moot point. It is what it is and we’ll see how much we’re will to give up in order to change it during the next round of negotiations. Until then I think that is important to point out that asking for advice regarding first year pay shouldn’t be met with anger as if speaking of the subject is an insult. Our candidates come from career destination level employers and most do not have budgets that commensurate with the average American household. Most are providers for families and often the spouse have no or reduced income potential due to the nature of the pilot profession. You cannot compare first year pay to the average US income (which includes unemployed, underemployed, and retirees) and say you should be able to run a household on that. If you still aren’t convinced take a look at the governments estimate to run a household according to size. The average household income isn’t going to cut it.

First year can be stressful for several reasons. Take out a 401k loan, borrow against your house, do what you need to do. Lay low year one and work your butt off year two. It will be worth it in the end.

Best of luck.