Hello 858.
My husband has been an airline pilot for over 30 years. We are middle-aged parents of a nine year old girl. When I married my husband I had the advantage of already knowing what life would be like from the couple of years we dated. Maybe because we are older and tougher, but we have almost always enjoyed being a pilot family. Yes, some holidays are "different", but still very enjoyable. My husband went from a senior CA to a Jr. FO last year when his airline closed, which changed things a lot for us, but not so much that he thought of getting out of the industry. His extended family, as they did when he was young and starting out, plans Christmas around his schedule. His parents, all his brothers, sister-in-laws, neices & nephews have their family's Christmas with us when my husband is home. The sister-in-laws like the fact that they can have Dec. 25 with their side of the family.
I think that the biggest factor in our happiness is that we are commited to spending real quality time together when we are home. My side of our extended family also lives in the area which has been a huge plus. Our neighborhood has two other pilots woth familys living in it, one male, one female. They are friends of ours and their kids are friends with my daughter, we know we can call on each other if needed. Our daughter feels a huge amount of pride about her father being a pilot, although she would probably also be proud of him in any other career as well, she loves to see him in uniform and is always telling people that her father is a pilot with an especially great amount of pride.
My husband has said many times that one of the best parts of his job is that it has very defined work hours. When he is not at work, he doesn't have to think about it. Also, we both like to travel, and do. We have been to South Africa, East Africa, Costa Rica, Germany, France, Holland, Etc., all with our daughter in tow. We sail, ski, bike, camp, dive (although not in the last couple of years), in places that we otherwise could not. My husband is home at least one day during the week and some weekends. He has been able to spend many days in my daughter's class room and going on her field trips that I could not because of my job. They are very close.
My husband was fortunate enough to start with a new regional carrier last year after his other one shut down. Money is really tight right now, but getting better. He never had to sit on reserve and he upgraded to CA in 10 months. That wouldn't have been the case a few years ago, you will be getting in the industry at a great time and at a good age. Just make sure your family is aware of the good and the bad.
Good Luck!