Career Advice
 

Currently at Mesa, 250 hours away from having the time to upgrade.

Struggling with the decision to give up my senority here (I know it's not worth much, but its the principle) and make the leap to RAH for better QOL and a more stable future.

Obviously, I would take a pay cut in the form of another year at $23/hr over the $56/hr I would make in the left seat here, but money isn't everything.

I would be happier at RAH, living in my hometown and commuting, rather than living in a city I dislike.

Thoughts?

What are your goals? I assume getting out of the regionals. If thats the case and you are literally months away from upgrade, I'd say stick it out, get your time and use that time on reserve to try and nail that job at the Big Show. The PIC will do nothing but make you more marketable. So I think you need to ask yourself, which is the harder pill to swallow: a few more months and then an upgrade at Mesa, sucking it up at company thats miserable in a city you don't like all in the name of the almighty TPIC or 2 more years as an FO, another training cycle and year of probation, first year pay and having to commute?

That's a tough call...if you do go, it has to be now...or soon (like immediately after your type-ride LoL). But as much as we'd all like to see Mesa receive another Pilot resignation, I know I sure the heck don't want to be responsible for giving bad advice :D

Now from my own experience, I can tell you that being happy with your situation is golden - I gave up a super-quick upgrade to come here - and there are days here and there that I wonder how it would have turned out, but in the end I'm much happier...sure the heck is better than getting beaten down repeatedly at work! Best of luck and keep us updated!

I'd tend to tell you to stick it out if upward mobility in the career is a priority. If QOL is MORE of a priority, then it's an easy choice to make the sideways move.

I'd say suck it up and get the TPIC, especially if you're single.

The goal, ultimately, is to begin logging PIC time ASAP. But at what cost?

This is the true crux of this decision. Is it worth being the CRJ CA "whipping boy" in IAD for a 1-1.5 years?

I'm pretty junior, so there wouldn't be more than 50 or so people junior to me in the seat for the first 6 months or more.

Also, to clarify I have the senority to hold the seat (people junior to me have been awarded it) but lack about 220 hours (I re-counted) before meeting the ICAO CA mins.

I think I would be happier with the QOL Republic would provide, and would also love to fly the 170, but my greatest fear is taking the job, and regretting it for the 2 years I'll spend in the right seat there.

Been laboring over this for a month, the decision has to be made by Monday, so as to be able to give proper notice that I would be leaving.

Slice - it's just me, so no one to uproot besides my clothes & car.

Freezing - just went to recurrent here, and after only 3 days in the classroom, the thoughts of another 5 weeks of GS, sim and another PC doesn't sound exactly great, but learning and PC's are the nature of this business so I can't really let that change my feelings. I also am not a fan of another probationary period.

If you take the upgrade, 2 years from now you'll have over 1000 TPIC. If you move, 2 years from now you MAY be getting ready to upgrade. Add 1.5 to 2 years to break 1000 TPIC. Where do you want to be 2 years from now? You'll have many more options going the Capt route now. Personally, I'd sacrifice QOL now for the chance to get to a major 2 years earlier. Good luck.

I want to be applying at majors in 2 years, so you and I see eye to eye on this.

The allure of a bigger airplane and better contract is definately there, but once I get on with a major, something tells me I'll think it was worth it.

It has been the toughest month of my life, that is, going back and forth and trying to decide what is the best decision for me.

The true choice is/was: My sanity/happiness now VS. my career progression.

You are at Mesa.......your choice. Tough.....suck it up and enjoy.....

I'm asking for input on this matter so I don't end up like you: jaded, negative and bitter.

In spite of yourself you contributed to the discussion and make a small case for going to RAH.

Thanks!