I did that for many years when my kids were younger, great fun. You cannot go back and recover those memories for any price, I call them 'expensive but worth it' days. Given the choice between time off, or more money I almost always choose time off.

BUT...if everyone chose time off, like we did prior to the 42% pay cuts of bankruptcy and loss of retirement, they would all move up a seat or two, and have both, more time off, and more money!

Obviously the closer to the top you are, the less you can move up, and the less time you have to save something for retirement, which is why we see senior guys flying 120 a month now. I have flown with many senior F/O's who could be flying Capt. or were flying Capt., but now intend to retire as senior F/O's, flying 120/month as often as possible.