Pretty much agree with Backfire on his answers. Upgrade times at the moment are at the 1-year mark, although you'll be on reserve for a few years more than likely. There are plenty of folks waiting to hold a line to upgrade, but there are lots of WB F/Os that never want to fly a NB again! Reserve in base is "palatable" but not great (hopefully that gets fixed with a new contract). Commuting to reserve is pretty much a no-go for most people. I've been on property for a little over 9 years and hold NB CA in EWR as a junior line holder (~ 65% in base). There will be plenty of upward movement in the next several years, based on the aircraft orders and retirements alone, so I would say the time to a NB CA line will come down. Pull the trigger and c'mon over, the water is warm. You can also do the WB FO thing and get a "better" schedule if you choose to do that type of flying and make very close to what a NB CA makes on reserve. But at least you'll have that option. I know the whole "happy wife=happy life" mantra, but YOU are the man of the house. Run the castle the way you feel is right!! Best of luck. Oh, keep in mind I'm divorced, so take that advice at your own risk! ;-)