Everyone that has posted on this thread has very valid points IMHO.

Every pilot has their own wants/needs/desires/expectations out of life and their career. And every pilot's situation is unique to them no matter how similar two pilots lives may seem. If you're single without kids you're going to have a much easier life and much more free time than one who is married with kids.

As Duvie pointed out, the benefits of flying for the airlines are amazing if you have the time to utilize them! You could travel the world and pay next to nothing.

This job has its downsides just like any other job will. The industry is extremely volatile and anything can happen almost overnight. You will work weekends, holidays, overtime, late nights, and early mornings most people would consider ludicrous. The people that are going to make it in this industry are those that truly LOVE their jobs and wouldn't trade it for anything. Those that come into this industry knowing at least something of what it requires are the ones that you won't hear complaining ever day of how much they hate their lives.

As for the whole getting your training paid for ... refer to the previous posts. I don't know enough about that subject matter to speak on it.