BaronRouge,

I was in my 40s when I go hired at a regional. I left a 6 figure engineering career for a regional FO position, and I do not regret it, even though first year pay was less than I made in 1989. I was miserable in my other job, although I made good money. I had a very realistic outlook on what flying for an airline was before I did it, and as such, have not become completely jaded due to false expectations.

My wife tells me that I 'am back', kind of like FlyWife's husband. My youngest kid (senior in high school) tells me that she never wants me to go back to what I was doing before because I actually enjoy what I do for the first time in her life, and because I am a lot more fun now!

I also have a little Cessna I fly regularly. It is more fun to fly than a CRJ, but as far as work is concerned, this really isn't a bad job when you keep it in context.

For example, I don't live to work, I work to support my life, so I have based my life on monthly minimum pay and take the maximum number of days off. I have 16 days off in August. I could NEVER do that with an engineering job. When I park the airplane, I go home and don't think about it, the passengers, etc... again until I show back up at the airport. I could NEVER do that with an engineering job because I always had problems I had to deal with, and I took them home with me. I had chest pains in my 30's with my engineering job, but my blood pressure was lower at my last medical than it has been in 10 years.

It is a job, but much more enjoyable, especially after the door closes, than anything I have done with my pant on!

Good luck! PM me if I can help.