Another ex-engineer here. Left the nice salary and the window-facing cubicle to fly professionally a bit over a year ago, and no turning back. Still "paying the dues" but it has been manageable since my wife works and we prepared ahead of time financially... Do I wish I made more? You bet I do. I tell you what, though, the satisfaction of achieving a childhood dream is some pretty serious Kool Aid to help get through a few lean years.