Originally Posted by
Cubdriver
I have yet to see any reasonable evidence or quantification showing that gains in seniority surpass losses accrued by accepting the extra $45k in loans needed to obtain it. Not saying it isn't possible... just that no one ever makes a believable case for it. And if you make such a case include the interest (at say 5% apr) for the loan you compare with.
A lot of people make the "seniority argument". I don't buy it. Here is an example: When I was a CFI (2003-2006) a lot of my friends took the first thing that came along just because hiring had restarted after the mess that was 2001-02 and left before I did for places like Skyway, Great Lakes, Big Sky, Mesaba. Now 2 of those places are no more, a few guys got furloughed from Mesaba and with a couple of exceptions those guys jumped ship to other regionals. There are several guys here at my current company (XJET) that hit the 121 world 6 months before I did just to make a lateral move a year later and are now 6 months-1 year behind me on the seniority list where I am now. So no, the seniority argument doesn't hold any water unless you can guarantee that you will only move upwards and now sideways in the industry.