I am currently employed by a US Regional carrier. On the seniority roster I bid 1400 out of 2500ish. I am a senior FO. I could upgrade, but I enjoy the easy life of bidding top 10 in my domicile. If I do upgrade, I'll be riding the line between reserve and line holder in the good domiciles. I have around 12-16 days off per month, depending on extra trip pickups. I take home less than $3kUSD per month. I could make about $4.5kUSD per month via the upgrade but the QOL (quality of life) would suck. I commute to my domicile and 8 days off per month would be hard. I have about about 3000TT 2000Crew(jet and turbo-prop) 1000non-turbine single pilot PIC.

I am kicking the tires of expat work. I would like to work on larger equipment, but to do so in the US will take 20 year or more (barring another large furlough). I am 32 now.

I would like to get some of your ideas about my situation and where I would stand by moving to a non-US based carrier.

Would you give up what I have and take the move and big plunge?

P.S. I am married with 3 kids. They would be willing to move to another county with me.

Thanks for the input,
Lil Bro

Lil Bro

You've made this decision before, you cleary seek quality of life - stay where you are and wait for a decent upgrade position.

Moving to the ME to fly heavier metal is so short term. I you really want to do it then why not apply to Cathay and be based in the US on the freighter? I bet your wife will be overjoyed with a move to the ME !!!

If you're ready for 28 years of living away from home and all that is entailed in working for an expat company, then give it a run.
Usually, if your safely employed by a large carrier in your home country, with a good lifestyle then the idea of moving o/s for work is not the best in my opinion.
If you do a bit of a search on these forums and others you'll find a range of opinions and always remember the old maxim about expats; missionaries, misfits and mercenaries.:)