You should read this thread about QOL and regionals.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ad.php?t=24625

I made less than 20k my first year at SKW and I'm doing just fine financially, but I'm single no kids. I had 3 months of reserve and one composite line. That combined with training didn't give me much money. Yeah things were a bit tight but I can't imagine doing anything else. I absolutely love flying with SKW and the PDX crews are amazing. I have yet to fly with someone I don't like. I used to be in computers as well, it was more field work so it was more interesting to me. Once it turned into a cubicle farm job I quit and went to aviation. I don't regret it! I had my bid in for the jet but I took it out a couple of months ago. The Brasillia is a blast to fly and I'm enjoying what I do right now so why change it.