Lowlevel

I know exactly why the pay is low. SJS. There are so many out there that would do anything to fly a big shiny jet, and do it on the cheap (or even pay to do it!).
I could care less what I fly, just give me a paycheck. If I could make six figures flying a C-150, I'd be happy doing that.
I didn't start an airline career until I was 39, my kids were grown and off to college, and I was already divorced for 10 years. I have another business, so I could afford the lower pay in the beginning.
I see so many pilots that have nothing to fall back to, if they had to (furlough, etc). I chose flying over my old career, because I was never really happy in that career. When I was furloughed, I went back to that career and made much more money than I did flying, but I was not happy. At least it was there for me when I needed a job.
My advice to any pilot...learn a different trade for those hard times in the airline industry.

johnso29

I don't think I can honestly answer that question. I started in the regionals, but got very lucky spending a short 38 months there before I got hired at NWA. We also had our daughter after I was hired at NWA. There are guys that have been regional FO's longer then I've been flying 121.

Everybyody's situation is different, & that a why this is a difficult question to answer IMO.

Lab Rat

My advice has been and continues to be the following: determine what kind of QOL you desire and choose a career that will best afford you that goal. If the career happens to be one you are passionate about then that is a bonus.

When I learned to fly 20 years ago, the opportunity for a considerable return-on-investment in this industry was still a very realistic possibility. Fortunately it has and continues to pay off for me - I am one of the more fortunate ones. However, things are different today and I would not choose to enter this career field given the costs of entering into it versus the extremely low probability that I would ever recoup those costs.

I give two other words of wisdom to whomever will listen: First, no matter how passionate you are about your chosen profession it becomes a job sooner than later. Second, those things we enjoy doing which cost us money are called hobbies.

saab2000

Your kids will never adjust to you being gone on trips. You'll just be the guy who shows up once in a week for 48 hours.

Lab Rat

It is impossible to answer given the above reason and the fact that hindsight is always 20/20.

I never flew regionals but I did build my time hauling freight on a pager. I stuck it out because of the potential career earnings and job prospects at the time. As I mentioned in an earlier post it worked out, as it appears to have for many of us. But, regardless of type and size of aircraft, I would not do it for regional wages.

Lowlevel

Two days off...every week!?! Where is that regional job?

SkyHigh

Like others have said the sacrifice is worth it when you are earning a good living. Your spouse can enjoy some of the benefits of your career by being able to stay at home with the kids. When you are on days off your spouse is home too and able to spend your days off with you.

However if a pilot is making regional wages then most likely the wife has to work too. The kids in day care or school and you are not home to take on your share of the nighttime family duties. On your days off you sit home alone while the wife is at work and kids at school. Sooner or later the hardships and unbalanced work duties will spawn negative emotions and can lead to an angry spouse and kids who eventually will call another man Daddy.

When the wife starts to become happier when you are away is when you should worry.

Skyhigh

johnso29

I'm off for 10 days straight. No vacation. 17 days off this month. Last month I spent 7 nights on the road. I commute. I'm not that guy.

Different for everyone.

Cal Varnson

Most households need 2 incomes, regional wages or not.

belliott

Sooooo.... you're saying my girlfriend is a hobby?! Man... I am going to have a hard time explaining that to her.