I disagree with this also. However, it depends on the person. Some will see it this way as why even bother with this career, but others including myself love it so and make a career out of it. The difference for me is that I enjoy aviation outside of work too. I fly when I can afford to rent a Cessna or Piper from my local flying club. When the AOPA convention is around, I'll make the effort to go. So I pretty much live and breathe aviation, outside of being an airport bum.

I too was a career changer, but was early enough to make the change (late 20s). To this date I've been a pilot for 15 years now and love it even more than when I first started. And this perspective holds although I'm currently furloughed, but with a class date in January for a new employer. I've been through 2 layoffs in the last 2 years, so you would think I would bolt out of this career, but no, I'm staying put!

I'm good at it and love it, so it's my career with all the ups and the downs. And I've worked both at the airlines and corporate. Corporate might be the thing for you, as opportunities can come with less than the usual amount of hours that would be required of airlines. It's all about networking for those jobs. Good luck whatever you do!