Well I do not have any kids and my loans are completely paid off. Will be hitting Amflight mins in a month.

^^Agree^^
There is a thread going on right now debating 121/135. There are good points on both sides and you have to decide which direction would work better for your situation. Amflight upgrades are coming in pretty quick right now. Even if you're not flying turbine right away your building PIC time and getting really good experience. There are variations with regards to runs and times at amflight so you could work on getting a schedule that works good with you. If you don't want to live in OAK because of money you can go to PDX. They're hiring into both bases I believe. If you don't mind moving around some, you could be in a turbine within 6 months to a year. If you try amflight for a little while and dont like it you can always go to a regional taking the experiences with you to help you in that job or you can just head to a regional. Either way you're heading down the career road if that's where you want to be. Good Luck!

Night freighting and check hauling is NOT for the timid or inexperienced in single-pilot, night IFR operations. Years ago, I lost 5 friends flying checks, one more recently, decades after he gave it up, while ferrying a Piper Colt. There are many stories about accidents and widows suing for damages.

Having done it, how does one live on these salaries? Easy, efficiency apartment, no wife or kids, if it won't fit in your Ford Pinto, you don't need it. Girlfriends exist only if they meet you halfway on expenses. It was as tough as today back in '73, but that's how a whole generation did it. I don't wish it on anyone, but if you want to get on in aviation, that's how.

GF

Roger that