I'm one of the guys that's working on getting out of this flying business. Here's my take on it:
I had a real job and hated it, so I came to flying (this was 10 years ago). It's been a really fun ride getting hours, meeting people, and drinking beer. I started at my regional 6 years ago. It's probably been the biggest disappointment I've had in my career. I feel like I'm getting professionally dumber, and am just a number in the system. Maybe some people are ok with that, but I feel more motivated to continue to accomplish things in my life. I can honestly say that the only challenge I've had is trying to figure out how to get out.
In 6 years here, I'm still an FO with no upgrade in sight. I thought it was just around the corner, but then fuel hit new records. Let me tell you, being a professional Pilot with 10 years experience making less than 40k can be very frustrating. I came into this job knowing that it would take some time and some sacrifice, but with no light at the end of the [very long] tunnel it's time to pull the plug. I'm missing out on my earning years, spending too much time away from my family, and that doesn't fit with my goals for life and retirement.
Those are the bad things, in my very humble opinion. I'm sure others will readily disagree.
The good things:
Lots of great people work here. I've met some really interesting folks along the way. It's also nice to come to work and know exactly what's expected of you. Which makes the job easy. It really is an easy job (when things go right). I think it's healthy to spend a little bit of time away from the family and do what you like. 3 days would be ok. 4 days is too much. No office politics - which is good and bad. Try working with someone who has no social skills because the job doesn't demand it. That happens, and can be tough. At the same time, you can call a spade a spade
. I never see my boss, either. That's cool. I wouldn't change the experience that I've gotten from this field for anything. Pilots in general are more pessimistic on the business, and tend to pay more attention to the details of the business than other employee groups. This gives us a more down to earth perspective than other work groups that get overly optimistic and tend to guzzle the kool aid.
The best job I had was flying a Navajo in Alaska. We worked hard, flew hard, and played hard. It was also the most money I ever made. THAT was good, challenging, and rewarding flying with some absolutely amazing people.
I'm not sure what's going to happen in my quest to move on. Trying to quit has probably been the hardest thing I've ever done (odd, for a guy disappointed in the field, huh?). I guess that means that I like the job too much (and have too much invested) to just walk away. Take that as a good thing. In the mean time, I attend Grad school which offers me the mental challenge that I need (that the job doesn't offer). I guess what I'm saying is, you'll probably need to find a balance. Coming from management, I think you'll find the work to be a bit dull after a while. Once you've met your goals (which happens), what else are you going to shoot for? Outside stimulation may be the only answer, and it can be hard to multitask considering the schedule the regionals run.
Lots of people do this job, and lots of them like it. That says something. At the same time, lots of people have been very disappointed in the results. That says something, too. It's not even close to a perfect field. Keep doing your research and, if anything, just jump in with a good backup plan in hand. Like my Dad says 'if you don't do it now, you probably never will'.