If you can be happy making 60-80k/yr. as a reg. CA, then go for it. That is an attainable goal that many pilots who are willing to apply themselves will make. If you are really getting into it dreaming of 6 figures and 20 days off/month, DO NOT DO IT! The odds are against anyone making the jump anymore. For MOST that dream will die at their regional. Nowdays, you are simply lucky if you're not furloughed at some point in your career. However, I love my job and if I end my career right here then I will be ok with that. Not my goal, but my life is not about my job. My life's about my family and what I do around my career, so my job will serve those things and not the other way around. Go for it if you will be ok with the reg. CA money...DON'T commute in my openion...Bid to be home...and the job is great. Don't live life for aviation