Originally Posted by Mason32

The current generation really needs to grow up, and stop whining. Historically, most at 121 airlines had well over 2,500 hours TT with their ATP before they ever stepped foot on the flight deck of a regional turboprop... They instructed, flew night charter, traffic reporting, banner towing, jumpers... anything to build time...
Recently we have seen part 121 arline hiring dip as low as 260 hours total time, going right into the right seat of a jet aircraft... These folks were very very very lucky, and they really need to catch up, get with the program, and stop whining.

Oh, since you asked. 2,000/500 ATP-CFI-CFII-MEI before I went to a regional. First flying job... flying traffic reporting. Did CFI stuff part time, mostly for people willing to pay what I charged.... (meaning, I have never ever been the type to give it away for nothing just to log time)... I didn't have anywhere near as many students as the kids flying at the FBO... but I certainly made the same money they did, if not more... and I was teaching in much nicer equipment.