We have a 19 year A-320 Captain who left NWA at 50 to come work for NJI and a 26 year B-747 Captain who also left NWA at 52 to come work for us. Last time I talked to each of them, neither regretted the decision. We also have more than a dozen major airline furlough guys that blew off recall. Only one that I know of returned to his legacy (United) and he was under 35 and lived in a base city.
You won't know if you made the right decision until the day you retire.
"It's all one big crapshoot anyhoo. Am I right?"
Needle Nose Ned in Groundhog Day