Wow. I cannot believe what I am hearing: no first class, no flying life?
I have a first class, but I have never had a job that required one. There are a zillion jobs that only require a second class. Right now I am flying an air ambulance. I don't make six fugures (and then b*tch on these forums about how pilots are so abused), but I am home every night, and have a ton of free time.
Yeah, if you want to fly a Boeing or "bus, you need a first, but there is more to aviation than heavy iron.
good luck