Having an ATP will serve you well in the future.
1. Don't go into debt to learn to fly.
2. Start flight training now.
3. Don't get a worthless aviation degree.
4. Don't worry about the future, none of us can control it.
In my opinion, the regional airlines will look much different then they do now. I think they will always exist to a certain point, can't make money flying a 737 to Waco TX from DFW. However I think drastic change is coming. Many of the names will change, some will die, some will grow, but overall as a whole the entire regional industry will shrink. Supply and demand would also suggest that pay and benefits should go up but given that most pilots are *****s when it comes to flying the basic rules of economics often don't apply to this industry. Good luck! Work hard, enjoy the moment you are living in, and play the cards life deals you one hand at a time.