Ask for more money! You are in a good bargining position. You have a steady job that pays almost three times what they are offering. You don't have to except ANY job just to eat- They don't have you over the proverbial barrel!
Nitrous, the problem with asking for more money is that most regionals operate under a certified agreement, often paying above award (is there such a thing now?) At the moment the shortage isn't too serious at entry level, and therefore non-negotiable. A new recruit entering as a FO still has zero bargaining power because there are other applicants on the hold file. The only exception is if the applicant were to be hired in a dual role for which they hold specialist skills.
The story is different for, say direct entry C&T captains outside the regional environment.
That puts guys like Bendo in a quandry. Bendo has enough knowledge of, and time in the industry to be able to put the emotional side of "needing/wanting" to fly into perspective, when considering the impact of such a huge pay cut on not only himself, but his family.
The truth is that earnings in the order of $120k+ is many years away. And it's unlikely to ever be achieved by a line pilot in a regional outfit.
Having been through a similar situation, I doubt I'd take the same path if I had my time over. My family has been through hell. They deserved better.
Tell you what Bendo: I'll swap ya
