Current Job vs Flex jet vs XO Jet vs Netjets
 

I am an ATP, currently at around 2400TT, flying a Galaxy (G-200) in the NY area ( TEB, HPN, MMU, FRG ) making 65k with a scheduled 20k increase in the next few months. Due to many factor ( one of them salary, and lack of a set schedule ) I am looking at the next step. Have over 1300 hours in jets, EMB505 and G200, which about 300 are PIC.

wondering what you would do if you where in my shoes. Stay where I am, or maybe move to FlexJet, XO Jets or even try my luck at Netjets.

I live 30 Min from TEB, I am looking for stability and a job to keep me happy for a good while. I don't care much about upgrade, I care about money, having a possibility of making some serious soft money, is a plus.

TIA

What is your ultimate goal? Major/ Legacy? Turbine PIC is king. Stay where you are and embrace the suck till you get at least 1000TPIC. Try to become a Check Pilot with your company to enhance your resume. And do some volunteer work on your days off.
If QOL is more important, then perhaps NetJets or a Regional that has bases near you (many choices) might work better.

my goal is to be happy at what i do, that being said I don't think the routes from point A to point B, then back to point A, over and over again of regionals or major will get me as excited as not knowing where you are going next. Staying in the Fractional, 135 world is my goal.

Sounds good, I agree with you. QOL and employee benefits beats everything else IMHO. Please just remember (repeat to yourself often) : “There is no PERFECT JOB in aviation”.

You may quickly find that the excitement of a 15% contribution to your 401k regardless of how little you put in will far outweigh the "fun" of a new airport. If your goal is to make money, there's only 1 real answer.

I actually saw a lot more variety at my regional than I did as a charter and corporate pilot. The only regret I have about my career path is that I didn’t go to the airlines sooner. If I was you, I would make working at one of the big six a priority.

How old are you, and do you have a 4 year degree?

I don't have a 4 year degree, and i am 33 y/o.

Can't afford the initial pay cut to go to the regionals now from 65K with free health benefits to +/-50K. NY area is expensive.

Hi,

I sent you a PM.

Roger

If you insist on remaining in the NY area you've pared down your flying options by about 80%. And if you insist on plunging forward in this industry without a four-year then you've whittled that number down even further.

Everybody has their own priorities and goals in life. But the older you get the more you'll start looking at what 121 guys earn versus what you'll earn sticking it out in the 135 world. You'll look at how little pilots at the big 6 work compared to you and your colleagues to bring home pay and benefits you can only dream about. And at some point retirement will begin to loom large on your list of priorities.

Continuing in this industry without a 4-year and without being willing to go where the jobs are is a huge risk. It leaves you at the mercy of companies that will exploit you because they know you don't have the option of taking your skills elsewhere.

Caveat emptor.

This!!! The guys I know who are stuck in their current job while trying desperately to get out all have one thing in common...no 4-year degree. And I don't see that requirement changing any time soon as the airlines are partnering up with university aviation programs. They're clearly signaling their intent to keep that requirement.