I'll lend you my ear. Give me one compelling reason why you would reach the front of the line at McDonalds, then walk out and go stand in line at a McDonalds two blocks away?
Leaving so quickly may mean something much, much deeper to HR at the next carrier you apply to because they're going to wonder why you were compelled to leave for no discernible advantage.
Or what's up at Carrier A that says "run for the hills"?
In short, our FO list is shrinking (down roughly 8% in the past 4 months). I'm still bottom 20% or so, still doing a lot of reserve, and in the past several weeks every time I've talked to crew scheduling they've been lamenting the shortage of FOs that they have to work with.
To compete with that there are a plethora of other airlines out there doing a lot of hiring. Aside from first year FO pay, they all pay more, and all offer the potential of more efficient schedules because of the nature of their flying (longer legs, etc).
You admit that you have an 'interesting' background in the 135 world and that you have at least another 4 years at the regionals (as a side note, when you listed the reasons does PRIA have anything to do with it? Because, even though something may not show up on a PRIA request after five years, the carrier can do a FOI request or just plainly ask you, 'Why did you leave such and such place? Was it on your own terms?'). I do think, that even with this 'interesting' background in the 135 world, you will be able to get to a career orientated destination. However, it will be VERY important that when you do, you have as much work history at the 121 world as possible at one carrier. Let me ask you this as well, did you interview at other places than CMT? Were you offered jobs there? If no, then why do YOU think that is? If so, why did you pick CMT? With all that said, the frank matter is that if you do get fired at a 121 place (even a regional) that closes a lot of doors. That coupled with your 'interesting' 135 background, more doors will be closed.
Definitely agree with the bolded. I know that either C5 or my next carrier (should I make a lateral) needs to be the next 4-5 years of my life, or at least until I've got a degree and some 121 PIC under my belt. I did interview at a few other other places and C5 was the door that opened for me.
Have guys from GoJets been hired at other places? Absolutely. Will guys from GoJets be hired in the future at places? Absolutely. But, the bottom line is that there are more guys who have moved on from TSA that are First Officers/Captains at 'career destination airlines' than there are from GoJets. I flew with four over two airlines, and three still had anti-GoJet stickers on their bags (two left TSA before GoJets even started, but felt the need to get that sticker on their bag to support their friends still there). Anyway, see how I am painting the picture? Why potentially expose yourself more so to a place with a crummy culture and more guys who vehemently want nothing to do with a pilot from that company?
I'm aware of the history. I also know it was a long time ago, and that vehemence has mellowed a bit. 4-5 years from now, who knows..... That said, it's still a risk and I get that. Not trying to minimize that. I've also got some personal reasons why an RDU base would work very well for me, but also know that that could change at any moment. But, if someone could promise me that I'd be in RDU for the next 5 years I'd just call it a done deal. But that promise can't be made.
If you must absolutely leave CMT under ANY circumstance, then I would look at a place like Mesa. They are another ALPA carrier and I think they are turning a corner culturally as well. Why is an ALPA carrier important? Well, if something does happen, they do a much better job of getting their member's jobs back than a place like GoJet. Once again, you really can't afford anything to happen.
Mesa has been on my list as well, but it seems they've just cancelled their Jan and Feb classes. And I do get the importance of ALPA. I know everyone likes to hate on ALPA for their own reasons, but I've also seen our MEC in action for certain guys when it counts. We've got some good guys here.
I know you haven't always laughed at my jokes. That is fine, I just thought I would offer my opinion on this. I do wish you the best and I do think you will be able to accomplish your goals. However, I would think long and hard about leaving the place you are at now. I certainly wouldn't do that for GoJets.
I've definitely thought long and hard. I could do on about some of the day to day issues, but as a former turboprop guy I'm sure you know all about them. We may be pretty far apart politically but on the airline stuff I think you're right on. PM me if you ever get an IAD overnight.