Bored...
D8,
I know where you're coming from but can offer my 2 cents. I retired 4 years early ( after 30+ years ) from a VERY good U.S. airline to protect my retirement from the robber barons now running the place. And while it's still a good decision, I miss the flying greatly. I've done a good bit of research into a flying job and the results are not good. There are almost no jobs for us older guys ( 56 is apparently too old ) in the USA. The contract, overseas thing looks iffy at best. From conversations with a few who've done it and reading forums here, I'm not sure I'd try it...low pay, crappy MTC, horrid working conditions, working for ogres, hated by the locals 'cuz you're taking THEIR job, and possibly living in a dangerous part of the world. You really want to fly in Indonesia for $4K/mo ? The corporate route might be interesting if you could find someone to hire you...all about WHO you know, not WHAT. And, if you're not type rated, don't bother to apply. My recent inquiry into a Beechjet rating found costs from $13-21K with real jets being even more. Not a chance !! The conclusion I came to is that I already had what the rest of the flying world wanted. I gave it up because I saw no other viable option but miss the flying and see no way to realistically replace it. If you can hang in there without fear of the pencil monkeys, do it as long as you can 'cuz it's ugly and discouraging out here...and a huge step down from what you've got. Good luck...stay in touch.