I guess it's different for everyone. Me personally I tried to leave the industry all together then tried the non flying side of aviation. My experience, for what it's worth, I was always looking at the people that were flying and wished I was there. I think if you truly love to fly it will be hard to watch others do it while you fly a 172 "for fun" . Just my two cents. Good luck with the decision hope you find a way to make it work.