The first thing I would have changed was logging on to Jetcareers.
No, seriously, finding this website was the best thing I have ever done. I took the advice on many on here and went through all the rating Part 61. But I had the money to go any pilot-mill I wanted to. I stayed at home and flew in the West and that was a great decision. I have also been fortunate to complete all my ratings at minimums and get on with SkyWest at mins too. It has been a great ride.
But....... I don't think I would do it again. It is not that I am unhappy with my choices, they were great. But the collective decisions combined with the reality of the industry (yes, I was a bit of a dreamer) make me second guess that this career is the best choice for me. Honestly, one of the biggest factors is all the time on the road and away from home. And FYI, I am 37 and single. I have never been married but been in many great relationships. It is still hard being gone when you are single too. And for those who think that being single is the best choice, it has it's challenges too.