**EDIT

Let me say that I understand that the airline industry is hard, I've worked within the airline industry for about 2.5 years, in a non-flying job, and have been laid off twice, and potentially facing a third time. I understand that the job of being an airline pilot means low pay, in the beginning, no guaranteed of advancement, and no guarantees of any stable job security. It isn't all glitz, and glamour. Nor, is any job, for that matter.

I know people who are happy with their job as an airline pilot, and I also know people who are veru unhappy in their job working 9-5. The lifestyle of being a pilot will be for some people, and not for others. Just because one person doesn't like the career, doesn't mean that everybody will hate it, and just because one person sees no advancement to a major, doesn't mean someone else will not.

I think when you look at aviation vs. non aviation jobs, it really does go both ways. I don't think the grass is any geener, you just have to find your niche, and what makes you happy.