Originally Posted by
GoldenGooseGuy
That's not to say flying isn't a worthy challenge, because it's highly regimented nature demands much from the professionals, but it exercises a different part of the mind.
Flying is far less mentally engaging than many other occupations, once you reach your career destination job there's a lot less learning going on, and few things to strive for other than an occasional new type (unless you work for a single-fleet airline) or upgrade.
The trade-off is airlines are more secure and offer a better pay/QOL balance than most other jobs. The striving and intellectual engagement you get in many real jobs is tarnished by the fact that if you fail at whatever you're striving for this week (or the boss needs a scapegoat), your family's financial future and lifestyle are on the line. And if you manage to dodge the bullet this week, there will be another coming next week.