From most of the "old timers" at my airline, the pay has come up. They normally reminisce on being a Metro / Brasilla CA making 18k/yr. Granted, they didn't go to many places, the overnights were almost non existent, and they were loving life. Take into that inflation though, and i'm sure they were making only slightly less than the CA's out there today.

Dan, don't ever lose your love of flying. Keep at it, go for your dreams, and check in with us in the morning....Honestly, what have you got to lose? No wife, no kids, no house, will make what you were currently making, and will be flying airplanes for a living. You haven't done it yet, might as well try it out. In a worst case scenario, you'll find yourself hating professional aviation as much as you hate the corporate world. I do however, reiterate, DO NOT LOSE YOUR LOVE OF FLYING!