Glad to hear things turned out well!

My story is similar to many others - went to college for aviation, instructed, was hired at a regional. I was lucky enough to upgrade at that regional, but then suffered a downgrade about a year later. Following the downgrade I started searching for ways to earn back my income, interviewed for a couple non-flying jobs, and managed to score one of them. This lead to my current career in federal service.

I miss the flying, miss the crews, and the fun. The only ways better to spend your 20's is as a military flyer, or race car driver (i'm certain). Overall the lifestyle is good, and it really works well for myself and my family. We're living in our hometown, grandparents to help with the kids, I have limited travel if any, and am in my own bed everynight with a great retirement (far in the future) and excellent QOL. I should be able to support my family in a manner that I see fit, private schools and good college savings. Everyone sacrifices some - gave up a great view...but have learned that I have a valuable place in aviation, even if it's not in a cockpit. Overall, no complaints.