The PATCO strike in 1981 sank my dreams of flying a Cessna 402 for a Regional, hopefully to be on my way to a Major in a few years... I took the ATC job in 1982, and never looked back with regrets. I was always able to fly on the side, the Guard, part-time Part 135 on days off, instruct.... so when retirement from Air Traffic was an option, I was able to leave that career to do something I loved (with a pension!).
My family has been very supportive, I did the ATC job to provide some stability/income then, they've encouraged me to fly in retirement now.
If you take the ATC job, stay engaged in the aviation community. Instruct, fly right seat (never for free), buy an airplane!!!!
Adventure is out there!