I keep hearing that the hiring will pick up soon, and fast this time. A lot of guys are going to retire within a cpl years as well. My CFI at my FBO tells me this:
"I shouldn't be saying this, but going to a program like ATP is the way to go. You just get it all done without worrying about weather / availability, etc. When the hiring train comes, and it will soon, you will want to be ready for it. The best time to get training when no one is hiring. I got mine when everyone was hiring, then I finished when the hiring stopped, and here I am. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but it will be good to have a seniority number, and a yearly raise."
He also works as a delivery truck driver part time...