This is spot-on for the post-9/11 hiring rebound...I would assume that will hold true this time as well.

I wish it were that easy. My girlfriend has a law degree. 10 years experience total. She has been a MD States Attorney, worked at a DC law firm, in a Navy JAG with defense experience and is currently the Staff Judge Advocate for the entire western region for NCIS.
She read this post and asked that I pass on to all of those considering a law degree that although some lawyers obviously make the big bucks, it has many similarities to aviation. A LOT of lawyers are struggling right now. Just like swimming in the pool for NJA - many new lawyers who are recent graduates and were hired on a big law firms in the MD/DC area have been told that their jobs are on hold. She personally is looking at getting out of the JAG and back into the courtroom - hopefully Federal, but back to the State level if not. She is finding out that many DA budgets have been cut over the last year and are expecting more in the future.

The road seems to be long and rocky in almost any career at the present time.

USMCFLYR

because thats just the cure of it all huh? go do something else because it pays better and does better in a crappy economy.

never go after a job cuz it could do better in a bad economy. it never works out and/or you will never be happy. but some people see it differently i guess.

but wow, terrific and motivational statement. do you ever think about that advice right there?? maybe i dont give a crap about law or treating sick people for a better buck than being a pilot. how about the fact that money is not an issue for me. its not my fault you obviously hate what you do. but ill take you seriously when you give me some better advice than that.

good luck dude.

It took me 8 years from when I started flying to when I was lucky enough to get a 121 job.

Be patient.

Your struggles will only get more difficult once you are lucky enough to get that dream 121 job.

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, CFI for a little under two years now, working 7 days a week and wondering when the next round of hiring will happen and if guys like you and me will be competitive to get hired. Its frustrating now to hear people say "do something else" or "go find a 135 or cargo job" as if it were that easy. I'm hoping for no more than 12-18mos. until we have a shot but more realistically I'm planning on another 2-3yrs. until we have a chance, given the expectations for the economy and the lag time in the aviation industry. As far as minimums go I wouldn't be surprised to see 1500-2000tt, with 250-300 multi being the lowest we'll see for a while after the hiring begins again just based on what mins have typically been when hiring resumes. Just my humble $.02!

Timing and luck is what this job is all about. The next cycle will come and those in the position to take advantage of it should reap the rewards of catching the wave. I was lucky and fortunate enough to catch the last short wave and I had people telling me the whole way that it can't be done and the dream is dead, etc but don't listen to them if this is what you want to do. Work hard and keep your goals in front of you and you may get there before you know it. Good luck

Why isn't it that easy? That is where a lot of people are right now in this industry, dropping flying and looking for another job. If you are working 7 days a week your pay right now is more than you are ever going to make flying for a regional in the foreseeable future.

Job
 

Fly for and serve your country? Active duty, Guard, or Reserve. Good pay and benes, etc. Serve a cause greater than yourself. Best training in the world to boot. If you don't like it after your committiment, jump.