I'm not saying don't pursue the dream, but keep your eyes wide open. Working conditions, pay and quality of life at most regionals are poor at best and are not getting any better. A lot depends on which regional you end up at, whether you have to commute, etc. If you're willing to put up with the potentially worst case scenario -- bad QOL, long upgrade, etc. -- and are still willing to do it, by all means take the plunge, but just be aware of what you're getting into.