yes i haven taken a big pay cut I was in the realestate business I did not have to take any loans out so that was not a concerne. I wanted a career change and did not want to instruct again. They pay you 11.25 an hour while you are doing your 250 then if you are hired you get bumped to what ever the contract rate is. it is about 18.00 with lines running about 90 hours a month. Also they are hiring out side capitans because most of the 1st officers do not have the time yet