Indeed. I’ve made the same decision after 11 years. However, I can’t stay out of fear. I made that argument during Covid. Can’t leave now. Economy might crash, etc. The airlines are not a meritocracy and we all knew that going in. Seniority is everything and if you’re in that nebulous zone of 15-20 years here and you’ll be retired in less than a decade, life is okay but not stellar. And it never will be. Even right seat bus JFK won’t crack the 10% mark.

And it’s not going to get appreciably better either. Insufficient reserves. Can’t drop or swap. Untenable schedules with my lifestyle.

Not complaining, not sour grapes, it just is what it is. A corporate opportunity with a larger Fortune company popped up that includes a what if severance package that addressed short term risk concerns. Driving instead of commuting half way across the country, not being subject to airline operational issues, better treatment, and a salary offer on par with 320 CA sealed the deal.

I wish everyone here the best. I had high hopes here. A successful Spirit deal would have led to a different decision for me. It’s just no longer a road I can go down.