225k is extremely rare (sounds like a department manager salary, which comes with endless duties outside of flying on a daily basis), typically 150-165k would be the normal range for a Captain. Furthermore, knowing your schedule a month out and being able to turn your phone off or get out of town when you want is usually impossible part 91. Predictable schedules are rare as well, many times I was on a 3 day trip that would turn into 5 or 6. Or how about being on the road two weeks straight several times in my career. Even on days off there are other ancillary duties you must attend to so you are often working on something when not flying.

Also, I was employed at jobs that I thought would be retirement jobs only to have them yanked out from under me due to divorce, buyout, or lagging economy. So you may know someone in a good job today that can easily go away tomorrow. Also, there is no such thing as a seniority list or union protection. I've seen many times companies lay off out of seniority. So I think in the long run an airline career would be better. Especially in the current hiring situation. At least that is what I'm betting on!

So congrats Ricky Bobby, a huge step up. I'm sure you will have a great career and enjoy the freedom of having real days off!