To the original poster; many of us, myself included, came indigent circumstances, and paid our way, working off each rating as able. To b where you are at this stage, degree and free of loan debt, holding your ratings and clear, speaks highly of your dedication. If there's any question as to whether you have the sticking power to see your goals through, I suspect you've clearly put that to rest. You can.

Marriage does change the equation somewhat, but your wife should understand where your goals lay when she met you; you've been working through the difficult end of learning to fly and paying as you go, all along, and there is some light at the end of the tunnel. No matter what you do in aviation, however, there's going to come a time when you jump off the proverbial cliff and spread the wings. It means a pay cut and tightening the budget. You can work part time as a flight instructor, you can do all that you are able part time, but to fullly commit will require a lifestyle change, which may be perceived as a step backward. It's the leap of faith.

Your step may be to something other than the airlines; night freight, for example You may find that instructing for now provides some supplementary income, and you may elect to use that at some future time to make a move. Many of us have done it, and fully understand your position. I've been there myself.

Your effort and your present position does portray you in a very good light. You're clearly someone who sets goals and achieves them, and who believes in his ability to do so. If you need hours quickly, you may want to think about a busy season flying banners or some other work that keeps you moving a lot.

You were wise to seek qualifications outside aviation and to keep your day job, and to have the patience to see things through at a slower pace. It's not easy, but you're in a much better position than those who tried to fast-track themselves and are now saddled with debt.

I believe that if anyone is capable of achieving the goal, you are, but you're right that you do have decisions to make. You do have the power of choice at this point, which is in your favor. Good luck.