I'm a 9 year SkyWest Captain, 33, married with 3 kids. I'm based at home, senior on reserve and don't get called a lot most months of the year. If I want some extra money I can fly on my days off. My wife has a very good job, so the extra money I would make working for a major isn't that big of a deal. Even bidding at 75% in my base I'm almost always able to get whatever days off I want. My QOL is awesome. This year I was able to play in 2 golf leagues, play on a baseball team, watch almost all of my daughter's softball games and I just signed up to be her assistant coach.
If I went to a major I would have to commute for at least a few years. I'd have to give up all of the activities, since most of them happen while I'm on reserve at home not getting called.
If I had to commute, or were stuck doing 4 day trips all of the time or got called on reserve all of the time it would change things and I'd most likely be trying to leave.