Pilot shortage explained.
 

1st year pay
80rs x $23 a month = $1840
After taxes = $1500
+ per diem = $1800

Minus
$500 a month for school loans
$400 rent
$200 crash pad
$150 car payment
$120 groceries
$100 health insurance
$90 car insurance
$50 gas
$40 phone
($1650 total expenses)

=$150 left over

Of course these are all round numbers and for the most part generous because things like rent and taxes are normally more.

Point is that's it's not nearly enough for most people to get by especially if you are raising a family.
Think about what it takes for you and your family to get by every month. What are you willing to give up?

[mod note]

There are a number of pilot shortage threads running at the moment- please use those.