So I've read in a few places that another pilot shortage is just around the corner. I remember just a couple years ago that all of my friends were walking into regional jobs and CFIs were getting paid well in my area. That has since changed and we're all hurting. A lot of people, like myself, are thinking about stepping away from aviation.

If this shortage is true it should make it pretty easy to stick with flying and actually be able to pay the bills. If you had 900 hours SEL in your log book what would you do to start getting some of that MEL that you need? Is an MEI worth it? What about type ratings? Should I be investing in this idea of a pilot shortage and my own capabilities in hopes of topping other applicants?

Getting the MEL time has to be the hardest part. What does everyone else do?

Thanks for the tips guys and gals.