Most majors would pay you over $200K eventually.

The only other way to make that kind of money and have a flexible schedule with lots of time off would be...own your own business.

But in both cases there are dues to be paid, and with the business you would eventually have to develop it to the point where it could largely run itself.

There are risks either way. With a business you could adjust and regroup, even start all over if needed. With aviation, if you have the slightest career hiccup you go to the "B List" forever, and then have to hope they get desperate enough to call you.

But if you want to fly, then fly.