I'm living what you're saying Cosmo.

I flew for Aloha. Had a nice, cush job, was about to upgrade when it all came down crashing. Time to start over...

Got hired by Mesaba only to have the class cancelled because of Delta shuffling aircraft. This is not to mention that the first year pay would be literally equivalent TO A DOLLAR to my unemployment check.

Fortunately, I just got hired by an international corporate operator to crew a brand new large cabin jet, and the pay will be significantly more appropriate for my hours and experience.

Look... seniority concept is wrong and evil, especially when it comes to pay. I spoke with many of Aloha senior pilots well before Aloha collapse, and while some said... yeah NATIONAL SENIORITY LIST (which is a pipe dream), they were perfectly fine with first year pay being dismal. When I'd ask them if they thought their skill was worth $25/hour should Aloha go out of business? I got blank stares, shrugs and "well, that's the way it is."

I guess I don't jive with that mentality... and that's why I think business aviation is the way to go - if the worst happens and your department shuts down and you were a Global Express or G-550 captain making a nice 6 figure salary, you don't have to go back to right seat in a King Air 200 flying for 22k a year if you want to remain in aviation simply because seniority system mandates it. You can pursue jobs flying Globals and Gulfstreams, or others... and your pay will be what you negotiate, but I can guarantee you it'll be way more appropriate than a regional airline pilot pay.

There are ways to make a good living in aviation. I just don't think 121 is it anymore.