In a way, I am starting the instrument. I'm getting the study materials and some of my cross country hours will be done under the hood, splitting time with another pilot. I guess the approach is to load my schedule with as many hours as possible without trying to keep within the limits of the Instrument Rating. I'll get some instruction in there too as I get closer so when my hours look right I'll bang out the rating.

Will do. My solo cross countries put me within range to deal with Washington ATC, so I'm comfortable working the radios with them. I've got no desire to play with security sensitive airspace, so we'll just leave the DC metro area alone.

Again, thanks for all the good guidance here.

Update: Took the advice and focused on knocking out the Instrument Rating first. Covid definitely put a hamper on things, for a while there everyone was confused as to whether we could continue dual instruction or not. Split time doing XC through southern Virginia and West Virginia after the Instrument. Commercial Single checkride is scheduled for Friday. Already have a FT job offer.

It's been a long road. Glad to be finishing the life transition and starting my career in Aviation. Thanks for all the good advice here.

Thanks for the update.

Glad I made a "black swan" disclaimer at the beginning of this thread

Cool. Did you get the job offer through networking or did you just apply somewhere?

Networking. That's how aviation works, right?

Also, checkride was rescheduled to Monday the 18th due to weather.

Yes. 100% of my aviation jobs were highly facilitated by networking. A couple where they just offered me a job out of the blue.

That exactly how mine happened. I first took it as a joke and responded, "Yeah, I wish." The guy just turned and offered his hand to shake. That was it. FT job.

Congratulations!

What kind of flying, if you don’t mind me asking?

FT CFI position at a part 61 school. Not an independent contractor gig.

Commercial Checkride delayed twice due to bad wintery weather. Finally got to it yesterday. Shortly after takeoff we encountered some light snow. Oh, the irony.

Finished it despite the weather and now am a Commercial Pilot. Next up: CFI.