15 months ago, I walked after a great IP tour in heavy equipment. 3 previous Iraq combat tours, a likely fourth deployment out of cockpit for 7-12 months, Follow-on orders to an undesirable location, and a family that had dealt with enough hardship helped me decide to leave. I was hired, but on the back end of the last wave. My job has survived but it is a brutal existence. Upward mobility will be at a glacially slow pace. Like some others, I work three jobs, to make what I did in my military CAREER. Note: each opportunity now is a job, not a career. A 121 job, a part-time job, and a mil res flying job. I am waiting on one last opportunity for a career in 121. If that ultimately falls through, I am likely returning to active duty. My smartest decision upon leaving active service was to make a reserve commitment.

Learn from my error and value "the bird in the hand vs. the two in the tree". My greatest regret is that my professional progression has been stymied by this choice. As a professional, airline pilot or not, I am capable of greater things--at least I was in the military. Do 20 years, use the mil to get an advanced degree, then come fly here or run this place. Either way, you will have made the best decision for your family and your future. The grass is greener on the other side. Ironically, it is me looking over the fence at my military past. I do have lots of free time in the crashpad though...I am currently brushing up my spanish language skills through a Berlitz program. Hablas espanol?