Currently a EWR based FO 1.5 years in at UAL and am considering a career move already. I live in Florida and am one of the many, many MCO commuters to EWR; which as most of you know is a rough commute already. For QOL reasons I’m looking into Southwest Airlines because they’re also a great airline and have an MCO base which is within 1 hr driving time of where I reside. Also, all of UAL’s bases don’t really interest me as places to live in base. I realize that a move like this may seem like craziness in my situation, but I figured it could be a good fit for me and my QOL in the long term; especially since I’m only 1.5 years in and relatively young. My reason for bringing this into public forum is to gather some insight from fellow pilots so I can evaluate my pros and cons to make a somewhat informed decision. Looking for serious responses only. Thanks!

Sounds like a no brainer. We always say take the first job that is offered to you then try to get to where you want to be good luck! Life is to short to do something you don't like.

If the SWA job is offered, take it. Five years from now you'll be really glad you did.

Yup. I like United, but I live in base- commuting sucks. No harm in trying for SW.

Live in base.

Both great companies, make the jump, live where you like and drive to work and don’t look back!!

Going from commuting to living in base will feel like you no longer have a job. Sounds like a no-brainer move.

I made the move to live in base; now life is great. Avoid commuting at all costs. If you get the shot to be where you want; take it. You can’t put a price on happiness.

Counterpoint from an outsider:
If you will be happy with flying a 73 to SYR, DAL, MDW, ORL for the rest of your life. SWA is a great choice.
If you want to fly wide body overseas, no.

I think they do a bit more than that nowadays. And anyways tons of our flying here is the same equipment.