I was doing $65k a while back in RJs ... various career setbacks occurred ... now with currency, jet pic, and >2k turbine time I think I'll be happy (ish) if I break 50 in 3 and 100 down the road Other than timing, I'd say I have plenty going for me. Still, auto repair sounds like an attractive alternative ... I might even be able to afford flying myself occasionally if I did that instead.

Coming from the bottom ... again ... aviation's not all as bad as some try to make out, but thinking outside the lines helps. Especially towards the private/charter/frax end of things.

(As my story would show, it's important to remember that a break in employment can lead to much higher losses than other fields. Worth remembering.)