Hello everyone.

Quick background. I’m 34, CFI, CFII with CMEL. I completed primary training since 2024 but haven’t been able to find employment after hundreds of applications, phone calls, emails and showing up in person.

though safety pilot time is looked down upon in the industry, that is the only way I can afford to keep flying/building time without breaking the bank. I’ll be at around 500 hours at some point this summer but like the title says I can no longer afford to keep flying as much as i should after that. Having a family and other responsibilities doesn’t make it any easier either.

now my question is keeping currency (barely) worth it as a potential employer might see it as a red flag or just take a break hoping hiring might get better eventually where i can come back to it? What would be the next smart move?TIA