Actually, you never leave the work at work. Airline flying is, as you say, rote ritual. But don't forget the time zone changes, long duty days and short overnights.

The result: Chronic fatigue. Crew scheduling's mission is to "make you more productive." Throw in a commute and you may be looking at an average of a day and a half off a week.

You always hear about the Whale drivers who are off 20 days a month and make $300K a year. At this point in your life, given the normal progression, you will NEVER get there.

And in between you'll have to suffer through Regional F/O reserve at poverty level wages, Regional Capt. reserve, Mainline F/O reserve and (hopefully if you manage to keep your medical and pass your annual checkrides) Mainline NARROWBODY Capt. reserve.

On top of that add in the Commercial Terminal rat race. There you get to deal with the TSA, CSAs and F/As who are jealous of the "enormous" salary you make and your airline's managers who are dedicated to reducing your pay and benefits.