I am in a similar situation. Largely a management/staff role (albeit in an aviation department) and most of my day is spent in meetings, dealing with drama, putting out fires, or dealing with vendors/contractors. Big money ($150k) but big headaches. However I am off 99.99% of all major holidays and weekends, and go home at 530 PM each day.
Will be able to retire with a pension at age 50 (3 years away) and am actually considering the major airlines. Even considering the regionals, with my pension in-hand, I will not be completely at the soup kitchen, at least not everyday.
So.....