The OP asked for the feelings and opinions of others. I merely said that I wouldn't do it, if I were in his shoes. That's not being a naysayer... that's giving him practical advice on WHY I wouldn't do it, and he needs to know the risks (and indeed, I believe that's what he specifically asks for.) Telling someone to just go for it if that's what they really want is wise advice, but I'm not convinced it IS what he REALLY wants... are you? Read our friend's post again: "I have a family to support... I want to do something I enjoy and live comfortably at the same time." He's not coming from a 6 figure salary like you and I did.

I may as well say, jcstorey, that if you can scrape together the funds you will need to launch a pilot career from the bottom up, you might instead consider putting that money towards an engineering degree (if you can handle the advanced math), or a computer science degree... IF those careers would be of interest to you. Both degrees will nearly guarantee you a job, both are among the fastest growing careers, both are among the highest paying, doctors and CEOs not included. And both will have you home nearly every night, plus you will have the money to rent...possibly even buy... your own aircraft to fly wherever you want on your days off. THAT there is true enjoyment... IMHO.