Be careful what you ask for on here! Many pilots have been in for a long time and been through a great deal of turmoil. I feel for them. I thought I had it bad until I realized what life was like outside the cockpit.

It is all a matter of perspective and what you want. I know I want to go back and fly, I know the ups and downs and BS you have to put up with to fly. It is not all sunshine and VFR! However, like I said I have experienced both sides and can make an informed decision. Did I wake up all the time smiling. No. But I did start to smile when I met up with my crew, punched the clouds and drank my coffee to see the sun come up. Now, that is a good morning. Beats the paper jam, boss riding my a**, etc.... Yes a job is a job is a job....but if you know what you like a job can be more self rewarding and make the ups and downs more palatable.

In your shoes I could only recommend doing it and if you don't like it then you have a choice to make! It is after all voluntary.

If you look at the pay, aviationinterviews.com lists a fair amount of these details, then it can be upsetting for the first year or two. However it catches up in the long run. I would not expect to join a single airline and be done with it. I would anticipate moving around the system and having to join a new airline to upgrade or get to the majors if that is on your radar. Or you could remain at a regional and make the best of what you have. Either appear to be very doable in the foreseeable future.

Sounds cheesy but making the decision is not the hard part. Sticking with it is.

Good luck!