I worked a desk for nearly that long too. If you are comparing job to job, then it beats it. No doubt. If you are comparing lifestyle to lifestyle, then I'd have to reiterate my point.

What is sad for everybody is that no matter how bad it gets out there in this profession, there will always be young bright eyed and bushy tailed folks salivating to sign up. I'd like to think that the state of the profession can only go so low before people start resigning looking for a better life, forcing the airlines to increase compensation, QOL, etc. But, I am afraid this will never work. At the regional level, even if FO salary hit $8/hour, my guess is that the lines would still be far out the door of the recruiting office. Hell, Gulfstream academy has proven that FOs will PAY for their jobs. Where does it end?

There are benefits to working in a field that is in demand. Piloting isn't and will never be. Doesn't mean you can score a good gig if the planets align and you know the right people.