I guess the question arises for me because I have an offer back in South Florida as a f/o making 50k (plus per diem), upgrade to captain in 18 months making 75k with 8 days on, 6 off... pretty nice schedule. Current ATC trainee pay is 43k, and I'm looking at another 2 years before CPC pay at 80k... meanwhile at let's just say a very undesirable living location.
Understandably, there are no certainties in flying and ATC is much more stable as a career.. sure can't beat the time off flying though. I've actually excelled at training so far, ahead of most others, doesn't mean I won't make a good controller.