Start preparing NOW for a non-aviation career!
After being in the majors for 31 years my suggestion is aimed at the bottom 25% of ANY U.S. carrier. We are all suffering from both a downturn in the business cycle which has happened many times before and a rise in fuel costs that may only get worse. For the bottom 25%, consider making max cash now and preparing for the worst ( as Bruce Springsteen said " these jobs are goin' boys, and they ain't comin' back ). None of us can imagine just how bad this will get so plan on leaving aviation and get on with your life. Don't count on a recovery. Chasing " The Dream " has ruined too many lives already.