The 717 is regional flying. Lots of Burgs and Villes. It is easy flying, some people would call it boring. Two time zones, no red eyes, longest leg is ~ 2:30. Most trips are Commutable. By and large the 717 trips still have a decent amount of credit (pay earned not on block time).

737 pays more, and has more “ interesting” destinations (mainly Caribbean flying). If you want transcons and to see more of the country then bid the 737, just be prepared to be cramped in the cockpit. Many 737 trips are “hard time” trips, meaning you’re blocking 21+ hours on a 4 day trip.

Time to hold a line on either fleet is probably about the same.