Originally Posted by flensr

A couple years at skywest would make you an attractive candidate anywhere so don't tie yourself to ANY training contracts or payback programs unless you have no other options. Apply everywhere, take every single offer that's better than what you already have, even if it's not where you intend to stay long-term.
If your "temp" job ends up at United and you don't jump ship after a few years, perhaps you'd be better off just moving to a base with them. Regardless of where your next offer comes from and what your final destination target is, don't turn down "better" while waiting for "best". You might find that an airline that's currently 3-4 on your list is your happy place and you'll quit updating your apps.
I think the big thing is don't ever sign a training contract or payback commitment unless you are no-kidding down to your last option between the contract or switching careers entirely. An awful lot of us have options and don't need to sign training commitments, but we get tunnel vision and feel pressured to sign just to get a crappy job we plan on leaving as soon as possible anyhow. That's a terrible way to manage your career unless you truly have zero other ways to progress. Like you've busted a dozen checkrides and have a felony conviction or three on your record, that kind of "no options" future.