My .02 cents, and take it for what it is worth;

I cannot tell you whether or not the career is worth it, from pesonal experience. I am merely in the training phases, like yourself. I have had the opportunity to work for a regional airline, as a ramp rat/customer service agent, over the last year. This has given me the opportunity to query many crews, and I have yet to have one tell me they wouldn't recommend it.

I agree with an earlier post, that money really shouldn't be at the top of reasons as why to go into this career, or not. First year FO pay isn't great, but if you cannot live off of regional CA pay, you do need financial counceling. These are still well paying jobs, it is just like any career, it can take time to get there. A VERY SMALL (I believe less than 5%) percentage of Americans make a six figure income, so I am not realistically getting into any career, expecting to make a six figure income; although I will definately fight for it.

I think the #1 consideration when looking at a career, as an airline pilot, is the lifestyle. The time away from home, thus missed holidays, birthdays, etc., can all begin to take a toll. I have to imagine that being young and single, the traveling and time away from home, can be fun. But, after a while, and especially once you settle down, and have a family, it will certainly begin to get old.

I have been bitten by the bug. It is what I have wanted to do, since before I even understood what an airplane, or a pilot was. I've contemplated going into other careers, and still do, sometimes, but in the end, I don't know if I would be happy doing anything else. I will always look up, and smile when an airplane flies over. I just don't know how I will handle it, if I chose not to pursue the career, if an airplane flies over, and I look up, and wonder, "what if?".