mexipilot84

So I'm a point in my career where I might have 2 job offers which are both really great but have their different positive and negative things. Obviously which ever decision I make they both could be successful and on the other hand the industry could take a dump again and be out on the streets again.

I was laid off by my charter company and have been aggressively working contacts to avoid returning to the regionals and starving to death again, like others delta isn't knocking on my door just yet. Just seeking to see what insight some of you guys that have been furloughed like me before on what would be able to further my career the best.

Job #1
King air 350 FO
Home based
55K/Yr plus per diem
6on 3 off
UPG time seems merit based so don't know how long it could be sitting right seat tprop again.

Job#2
737 FO
Commuting required(drivable)
45-50k
20on 10 off
Upg time could be quick based on growth and need (no more home basing has turned off many).

So really just a situation of what would improve my career viability. I know some pilots get lucky and go to JetBlue and then get a call from the majors after a stint on the bus. The 737 is very enticing and would be a useful type, but the pay is not commensurate with the job and of course commuting. The 350 type is nice too, but don't know if that will help my resume measure up in the stack of 12K other pilots. Both are busy outfits and probably equal out to the same amount of time at home.

So trying to get some good input to make a good decision.

bedrock

I know you don't want to take the low paid 737 gig, because it is underpaid and lowering the bar, but do you get a free type rating out of that? You can drive to work, and upgrade seems doable (how much is CA pay?). All that makes it a simple choice. A 737 type and time in type opens so many doors world-wide, that I'd jump at it, if the schedule is acceptable for your QOL. In a year's time if, you are still there at 45K/yr, you can go overseas to Asia make 3x that.

PerfInit

Tough decision to make. I can recall a time where guys were happy just to get ONE offer....

You did not mention something that would be extremely important, especially if you have a family- BENEFITS. What are the Heath care coverages? Does the company have a 401-K with employer contributions (match)?

mexipilot84

King air gig covers all medical and they have a 401K program with a match. Really good deal when you look at the cost of healthcare now a days. I am covered by spouses insurance luckily.

737 job pretty basic health, 401K. CASS privileges.

727C47

Avoid Southern if you can, follow your gut amigo, vaya con Dio.

mexipilot84

Well it wasn't southern it was swift air

MaxThrustPower

I think it depends on what your end-game is, and it sounds like this is a stepping stone for you.

If I was planning to keep the job for medium to long term, no doubt the King Air gig would offer better pay and benefits. But it won't do as much for furthering your credentials for a major airline, especially if you get stuck flying in the right seat for a long time.

If you're looking to use this as a temporary short-term position enroute to a better job, I agree with bedrock. While the pay and benefits are less, it sounds like you'd get the opportunity to get typed in the 737 which is a very valuable type rating. It's the best-selling airliner in history with over 8,000 delivered, many of those still flying, and with over 4,000 more orders on the books. And, the possible quick upgrade to Captain on it makes it even more valuable in terms of the experience it offers.

I'd say, if you're otherwise competitive for a major airline job (total hours, education, lack of negative factors, etc.), then go for the 737 job.

Good Luck!