Your type rating doesn't hold any weight if you have never actually flown the airplane. Most contracts want at least 500 hours in type, and currency. Put your student loans on deferment or economic hardship forbearance

Oh come on. Fine, you had 1500 hours when you graduated, but how many wet t-shirt contests did you attend? Better position indeed.

Unless they are federally funded loans, which if he went to EMBRU they are probably not, the lenders will just deny the economic hardship request (since the law passed in 2005 gives them this option) and force the loans into default so that they can just garnish your wages for your entire working life. Trust me, I know! The law the previous administration passed has given all power to the lenders of the private student loan industry. They simply turn down your requests and go after your income and tax returns.

Dude, stop chasing the "dream".

The future: student loans + no job= not good (bad credit can hurt getting a job)

For many the dream turns into a nightmare: Looks like you are finding out.

Go get a job that can pay back you student loans until the flying scene picks back up or get in-line like everyone else chasing the "dream".

Find a job as a heatin/cooling tech or become a plumber. Paint houses.

Did you pay for that B737 type rating?

On the street for three months myself no bites, but get the loans deferred until you can find work.

I was in a similar situation as you during the recession of the early 1990's. There were no jobs to be had and I was desperate to keep the dream alive.

Ideas:

Fly in Alaska as a bush pilot.

If you are religious you could fly overseas as a missionary pilot.

You could go to trucking school and drive truck until things get better.

File for bankruptcy.

Join the Army and possibly fly helicopters.

Join the Navy and hopefully fly jets.

Looking back I really wish that I had joined the military in any capacity. I know that it is difficult to park the dream for a while but when the door is closed sometimes it is better focus on other things. Perhaps you could use the next few years to pay off your student loans? They seem to be your biggest obstacle to career success. They will continue to haunt you and make your career difficult until they are paid off.

Skyhigh

Don't ever bring up your 737 type rating again. If I were you I would even consider leaving it off your resume. At 1200 hours it sends to wrong message to possible employers and to your peer group. It will not help you in any capacity and will only serve to raise eyebrows as to your career intentions and alienate your co-workers.

The kind of jobs that will be available want a self reliant "get er done" type of pilot and not a ERU airline minded prima donna.

Skyhigh

I wouldn't have put it the same words, but why do you have a 737 type rating? That is a bit expensive, and I know ERAU doesn't offer them.. Unfortunately I also went the ERAU route... Didn't do enough research before heading out.

I'm in the same boat though.. 6months furloughed. It is not easy right now.. I've been substitute teaching, but with summer approaching, I'm gonna have to find something else.

Good luck to us all!