You have 23 years left before mandatory retirement. You will be returning to an industry on the cusp of unprecedented hiring. It is difficult to predict based on the regional airline you eventually join, but with the hiring at the majors alone over the next 10-15 years, I would bet that you would be left seat at the regional level in 3-5 years and approaching (or exceeding) a 6 figure salary. Depending what you want out of an airline career, the majors are not out of reach for you either.

Bottom line though, the wife needs to be on-board. A supporting wife is one of the unsung factors in a successful airline career.

Good Luck

49er