There's a huge difference once it becomes a career. I used to collect aviation memorabilia, go to air shows, enjoy getting my Sporty's airplane catalogue... Now all of that makes me feel ill. The industry has a way of crushing your excitement and love of flying. Does this happen to everyone? No, but it happens to a surprising amount of people, darn near a majority in my opinion. Should I just quit? Nah. I have too much invested, and I still really do enjoy the actual job most of time.

Not trying to sound depressing at all, just adding a dash of reality. My whole life, airline pilot was the job that I wanted. When I got there... well, it turned out to be nothing like I had expected to say the least. YMMV.

Again, flying airplanes for a living is still pretty cool, though! It just comes with a LOT of baggage (pun intended).