Get your CFI and pay your dues. Nothing will improve your flying skills and knowledge of core material like being a GOOD instructor. Don't dick around on this and go get a job towing freakin banners or flying firewatch. The repetition of material and maneuvers will make you a much much better pilot. I know it's tempting to jump at a RJ job, but it won't make you a better pilot. I had NO desire to instruct, but I did it anyway, put in 2 years and over 1000 hrs of dual given, and wouldn't trade it for the world. Best advice is to go somewhere with lots of flying and a low-ish cost of living and fly your ass off. Good luck.

Good Post, this is probably the best advice you'll receive.

If you have aspirations of working at an airline they will not want to hear in your interview that instructing "wasn't for you".

Long term goal would be corporate. And if cargo helps to get there, then so be it. Plus cargo hones your skills in all different types of environments. Right?

Yes it is loggable. The aircraft does not require a two pilot crew, but the company does. Therefore I can log the time as total time, m.e. time, and xc and night whenever it meets the criteria

Well...it doesn't matter one bit what the company requires. Is it pt. 135 and have you had a checkride?

The best/most enjoyable flying I have ever done took place in a 172/cub. Enjoy it while it lasts because like myself one day you will look back and wished you would of appreciated it more

Liar, we all know your fondest memories were back at Colgan.
Who are you fooling?:)

Did not know you were capable of flying the ol' tailbird. Your stock just went up a bit in my book.

I was in the same situation three years ago. I decided after a year of instructing that I couldn't do it anymore and was looking for anything to get me out of it. I ended up at an Aerial Survey company paying my dues as a photographer (should mention I had no photography knowledge and pretty much didn't need any). After 8 months there, I had logged about 100 hours of multi flying with the company and was made a pilot. Total time at that point was around 600. Flew for them for 14 months and got another 900 hours of high performance multi engine. It is by far the most challenging flying job I have had and it payed well. I would recommend it for anybody looking for something that is fun and will challenge you.

Amen to that! I haven't flown a light airplane in 8 years and I miss it. Enjoy the ride fellas, you WILL miss it. I remember making $800 per month with no days off but those memories are some of the best. I broke $1,000 per month and thought I was the King of the world....that was 1999. I hear just 9 short years later you can actually make a living instructing.