I have to validate this sentiment. One guy I know could have been a UPS pilot a full decade before he got on with Alaska. He had to finish his college degree while working a full time flying job to support his family. He most certainly had the connections to go to Big Brown but was focused on his dream of being an AS pilot.

Now he is one. Dream accomplished. Corny as it sounds, he's living his dream.

Not everyone is in this business to fly wide bodies internationally for the money. More than a few are all about their families. That means QoL trumps $$$. Everyone wishes they could make more money but the key to happiness is living within your means.