Most people want a decent family home life as well. I know many who left the profession because today's pay, especially in the regionals simply doesn't provide 'til later in life. If you're single and love flying (or have an understanding wife with a well paying position who doesn't mind handling same along with the kids in your absence), it's not a problem. Otherwise? Not what it used to be before deregulation which brought many more opportunities/positions but otherwise generally negatively affected return on investment.