Retirement age is 65. You could get a degree, have a 10 yr career in another field, save some money, grow maturity, then decide whether you want to be a professional pilot. You would still have a 30 yr career ahead of you. You would also be able to avoid huge debt, if you're wise, and have a fall back career during the inevitable furloughs. I did this, and have had more staying power as a result, but I am almost ready to call it quits. I can do so, because I have no fear. Having that fallback take away a lot of the power any crap mgmt. tries to hold over you to accept less and less. I think it is KEY to work outside of aviation to gain perspective as well. Regional FO salary is truly unconscionable.