Disclosure: I do not fly for the airlines nor do I plan to but who knows. I'm trying to have some fun while I'm young and take jobs that will provide good stories for me while on my death bed.
So not sure if this helps but I am very close to your age and was a medic for a few years out of high school. Worked nights in the E.R. and on call on the bus for the FD. While working full time I slowly paid cash for all my training which makes it much cheaper so if you can negotiate a much lower cash rate do it. I kind of took my time as my father flew for a major and tried to talk me out of flying as a career so it took me awhile to just push forward myself. Its definitely harder doing it on the side but having no debt when your finished is an amazing feeling. In my opinion you could make more over the long term as a FF since it will take a long time to make what you are now and that money could be invested in lots of things to make you even more money(rental property, side business etc) since the pay seems to be a big consideration of going to a major airline career. I own 6 rentals myself and at this rate I will be able to retire before I even need to go to a major anyway. At our department most guys seemed to hit lieutenant and even captain in 15 years or less and were pushing 150k. So maybe you are at a small department and can transfer to a higher paying gig. And keep in mind that going to a major doesn't just happen and everything you read on here and in the news cant be used to make a career decision. Also there are many days I watch the medevac land and see the crews working and it takes me back to how awesome the job can be so the grass is always greener. Boeing and all the other companies have skin in the game and publish what they need to keep future pilots coming and keep business booming. Also the Envoy recruiters need new hires so they can flow so they just say what they need to get new guys to show up. There really is no shortage. I do agree with Kevbo that 80k at 23 is way better than 200k at 55. As a kid whose dad chased the major airline job commuting endlessly changing bases he missed my entire childhood and once he was 60 making the big bucks his kids were all gone and my mom was worn out. So at that point money doesn't matter. Just think that once you finish you wont hit 80k again for a long time unless you want to work 25 days a month. So enjoy your 20 days off. I really hope this makes sense I just woke up and not sure if it came out right. Either way both jobs are pretty awesome and good luck!