Originally Posted by
proskuneho
Hello all. I am a career changer. After a decade in management, the flying bug is really getting me. I am well aware of the ups and downs of the industry. I also understand the dues that the average pilot pays to earn the "dream job". I have already taken a huge pay cut to become a CFI/CFII/MEI, and anticipate another drastic cut whenever the regionals are hiring non-furloughed pilots again! Considering the fact that so many people leave other careers to chase the dream to fly, it must be worth the sacrifices!
Or is it? You are all aware of the stereotype of the whiny pilot, but I know that many pilots have valid reasons to complain. I am curious what many of you think, especially if you left a better paying (and more stable career) to do this.
Why do you like your job? 
If you are not happy, why?
My opinion? I have got my first pilot certificate in 1996, and I just now have over 900 hrs with 155 multi. You don't fly much when you manage the people that are flying. For me, flying is amazing. There is awesome satisfaction in a nice instrument approach that leads to a greased landing. There is so much beauty, freedom, and excitement. What better office?
Everyone has valid comments. I left the military when the majors were starting to furlough. Ended up at 13K a year with a group of fellow mil drivers at COEX. All of us have moved on to bigger iron. I was about your age leaving the Military. Was it worth it? Imagine all in my original class would say yes. Was it all easy? Nope. No job is, so it was a wash in my book.
I have a disease that is only fulfilled by flying airplanes for a living <bg>. I accept the pitfalls as I would if I was an accountant I suppose.
I say give it a whirl as you already have demonstrated the disease and should follow a professional flying career in the cockpit. That may be 135, 121 etc. At least you won't be saying "I wish I had...." If it doesn't work out, you will suceed anyway just like Skyhigh since we are generally successful and self starting folks. Best of luck.