As you can see, there are many viewpoints out there. Most of them driven by personal experience of one type or another (layed off once, layed off twice,Long upgrades, pay cuts etc.)
If you choose to chase the airline brass ring, be ready for a very rocky road.
The future industry will be very different from what you see now.
I think also it depends on who you are working for. If you work for a good company that appreciates it's employees, then you are lucky indeed!
If you work for a bad company, prepare to be miserable for a long time.
Bad companies have a way of taking the enjoyment out of your job.
I, for one, love flying the jet. I just can't stand the company I work for!
Best of luck and be forwarned.