Red,
I think I know what company you are with. In my personal opinion you are not doing anything wrong. You are flying new equipment worldwide and just because you have less flight time it does not mean you are under-qualified for the legacy carriers. It is the quality and not the quantity that counts...and of course who you know
I am in the same boat as you are and don't think I am missing out by not flying RJs 1000 hours a year.

 

Let's see:
1. Great QOL 2. Decent pay 3. Personal Happiness 4. Operating around the world 5. 737-typed
Based on the above, I'd say your close to being the envy of the industry!

4,500tt and 1,000 PIC turboprop are still respectable flight times, even if your friends might have twice as many hours. If I were you, I wouldn't put too much stake in having a high total time. Remember, flight time is only one of many factors the recruiters look at when selecting pilots.

If it was me in your shoes, I'd say there was no way what you've had thus far could be considered a mistake. Most pilots build there time slaving away at low-paying regionals flying the routes & schedules that nobody else wants. You've been able to see the world, make decent money, and find personal satisfaction in life. On top of that, you've got a 737 type under your belt ( Hello Southwest!).

Another thing to consider: to land a job at a major, you need to be able to differentiate yourself from everyone else in the crowd. Instead of the plain vanilla route the masses follow, you've enjoyed the quality of life that few pro pilots get to see, especially without having to spend decades in the industry to get there. I'm sure you have a story or two to share with recruiters that will make your aviation background sound unique and exciting.

Now imagine yourself on your death bed, with just a matter of hours left in this world. If you were to think back on your life, accomplishments and regrets, I doubt you'd smile just because you had 9,000 hours in some logbook. If you had the time, which you'd attained through the traditional career route, you'd probably be wishing you'd spent your life traveling the world, seeing exotic locations, and living a life of personal happiness. You've done well.

Looking for a pilot job? Check out my Facebook Page.

 

sounds like you have a good thing going, I bet there are others in the regionals who would consider trading what they have for what you have.

I would reconsider staying where you are at and seeing what you might be able to do with your free time to bring in more $$.

 

I think everyone is assuming too much and forgetting a few things.

1. Does he have great QOL? I know of this company he flies for and QOL is relative to the person. If you are single with no kids and want girlfriends all over the world then spending 25 days a month in hotels in some foreign country would be the greatest life. However for guys like myself who likes to be home at least 15 days a month with his kids, id rather work the 80-90 hours a month for that.

2. Decent pay? See above. I can certainly go overseas and make 3 times what im making here. However, that would mean i leave my kids to be raised by some other man cause sure in hell my wife isn't going to be sticking around for me.

3. Personal Happiness? What makes you happy may not make me happy. That's a definition to be left to the individual. My happiness is taking my sons on the boat fishing on the weekends 12 months out of the year. (Pays to live in MIA)

4. Operating around the world. I would rather travel around the world on my own time and not when im working. I think I have the satisfaction of leaving my phone off and not worrying about the company calling me to work.

5. 737 typed? Big deal. Only pilots with delusions of flying for SW care about that. So you have a 73 type, that doesn't mean you have a job at SW. I've got 5 type ratings and not one of them got my current job. Maybe the collective experience or type ratings gave me an edge? Maybe not.

Don't get me wrong, im not downplaying your points. You make great points, but its relative to the individual.

 

Do you fly for Miami Air?

They treated some of our UAL furloughed guys pretty snotty during interviews a few years back.....not your fault but what comes around goes around.

Good Luck.

PS.....I had first hand knowledge at a MIA job fair a few years back, the CP of Miami Air didn't now know I was ex-UAL nor did his lackey FO....the comments and attitude left a lot to be desired.