Be very careful about going to a regional or other low paying aviation job unless you are prepared to stick it out until you get an interview at a major.

If you leave after only a short time for anything other than a major, it looks like you left because you didn't like the lifestyle/time away from home. That is a huge red flag to HR types.

I would look into acquiring a T-6 Reserve job or another Reserve/ANG flying job before separating. Additionally, I would get that ATP and hold off on the Higher Power Type. I just had a bud get called by Southwest without the type, and they asked him if hired would he obtain it. Good Luck

With the current hiring wave I believe the market will force Southwest to look at qualified pilots without the type.

They already do. It's only required that you get it after a job offer.

I know a couple of guys who quit regionals and kept currency in the Guard/Reserve that have been hired at majors. Leaving a regional because the job is financially unsustainable/imprudent isn't a death blow to an interview at a major.

Well dogie! Ain't that the truth.

Jed

I got hired on at Spirit with less than 4000TT. I don't discount the help I got from Spirit guys here on the forums either.
It's definitely tough to get an interview but that's mainly because of the sheer amount of applications out there.
Both JetBlue and Spirit offered a class date, I chose Spirit.
My applications for US Airways, Delta and United are still out there, but as of today, haven't heard a peep, but I'm content and happy where I'm at.
The point is, don't give up. Keep your contacts going (that's the single biggest factor I believe, once you make the minimums), continue to prep and be positive. The airlines appreciate the military pilot, for their leadership, their training and their discipline, all things as a military pilot you've already proven.
Best of luck!

Flying in a guard/reserve unit full of airline guys is a great path to the majors.