You "hope this helps"?

This has been TREMENDOUSLY helpful!!!

Thank you so SO much for your insight and advice.

I didnt detect any hesitation in your very resolute advice against seeking any pre-emptive type-rating. Thats good news, cuz while I was willing...I was nervous about burning my reserves on pure speculation.
Action Item= Type-Rating has been completely dismissed.

I completely agree with honing your personal skills by teaching others. In fact, one my practices in getting my current ratings was to turn each lesson I was being taught into a lesson that I would teach. This helped me understand, but frustrated my instructors. While it gave me a MUCH better comprehension, it slowed the process considerably. I ALWAYS believe that you learn more through teaching (thus my past instructor gigs).
Action Item = CFI/CFII/MEI will be prioritized and I should have them by December...which should put my TT over 1000 by June, 2011 (when I turn 42....still marginally competitive.)

Education....yeah, I know. Gotta demonstrate I'm willing/able to endure for a goal. They likely dont care what the degree is in. They just use it as a filtering tool to keep out the riff-raff.
Action Item = I've started researching programs that will allow me to pencil-whip another 30 credit hours to get a bachelors.

Industry news letter. I get (and read) sooooo much stuff. Give me some recommendations and I'll get on their distribution.

Retirement benefits. Yeah, I understand that since the introduction of 401k "do it yourself" retirement, NO employer (airline or otherwise) holds your hand through retirement. When your productivity ends, so does their interest. I primarily want the health care and travel benes.

"Fiercely loyal is kinda creepy" Yup. It is a very sharp, very delicate double-edged sword. I know that, as with any employer, it'll take a while for them to appreciate the latest "greenhorn".

No, I was not being sarcastic about being willing to start as a toilet scrubber. But I do value and understand your guidance on how my time and experience will be better served in more applicable pursuits. Thus my action items above.

Light turbo-prop..... Starts getting a little scarey. smaller aircraft usually equates to fewer resources. Since the birds are revenue generators and benes are revenue depleaters....if they dont spend much on their aircraft....they will spend even less on their crews. But I'll exclude nothing from being a means to an end....(so long as that end isnt another smoking hole in the ground). Would I fly a 208 full of boxes? In a heartbeat. Would I fly a Beaver full off tourists? In a heartbeat. Would I fly a 206 full of Jumpers? Probably.

Lori, I cannot thank you enough for your guidance. It allows me to start selecting a path to head towards my goal. As that gets nearer, I will most certainly be utilizing your services to maximize my marketability.

Now....to start prepping for CFI. My latest adventure.

Limitless thanks, again...to you ALL.

Cole