Hey pilot man, is this who i think it is? I used to instruct at PWG like a year and a half ago. If so, I've been trying to get a hold of you.
XJT is a better airline than Colgan. I've been on the line here since Dec. 06 and my class is Dec. 07 for Saab upgrade. (im current beech guy) There's a lot of reasons not to go to Colgan, and only a few to go.. but if TYR is close to home, then its probably not a bad bet. No matter what you choose, best of luck, and there will always be a million nay-sayers as to what is best for you.
TYR shouldnt be a big problem. They wont offer Texas guys the beech anymore (like myself) so you're safe there. If you dont like it after a year, then maybe go to XJT or something? I have about 650 hours this year in the plane, so that puts me pretty close to 100 hrs a month, maybe 125 pay credit each month- you def. wont be rich flying here.
Your base changes your entire career at Colgan. BHB guys get 4 days off a week.
A lot of XJT guys say they dont regret their decision to fly there, and of that I'm certainly envious. I have not met one Colgan pilot that said the same. If I could do it again, I would not come to 9L simply because of the lifestyle I have to live; but my second year pay is about $44an hour, and it's too close to leave now. If I could drive home everynight, or even commute home twice a month, maybe it would be a whole lot better.