I've had a great time every step of the way. Flt instructing, light twin night cargo, regionals, and been at a major for 14+ years. I still fly all nighters and not sure when i'll make captain.
It is and has been very hard on my wife. I have wanted to be a pilot since I was 4 yrs old. This is all I ever wanted to do. It is not easy. There are sacrifices.
Ask yourself how important are holidays, sleeping in your own bed, getting up at 4 am a lot, flying all night with only a 30 minute nap in the afternoon, or stand-up overnights.
I'm an optomist, but can no longer recommend this career to the "somewhat interested"