So after debating for 3 years if I should make similar switch (close to 6 years as mechanical engineer), I am finally sitting @ CAE. My engineering employer has asked me to work part time (remotely or in the office) as many hours as I want/can. This will give me a chance to get a taste of flying and worst case scenario I will go right back to engineering after a year or so. This is one of those things in life I just had to do in order to not have any regrets. I think I may even want to start instructing at CAE Northeast after a year or so of flying, starting pay is in 6 figures.