It was my lifelong dream to become an airline pilot. Even to this day, I pause every time a jet flies over and it still sends chills. After a brief time spent in the 121 world though, I was desperately looking for ways to re enter a more normal life. Turns out that I have a serious addiction to food and family. Yes, there is life after the airlines. A very good life in fact. One without crew schedulers, airport security clowns, and below poverty wages. I now fly my very own PA38 and love every minute of it. I have re discovered my love for aviation and the time spent with my kids is invaluable. You may miss the takeoff and approach segments of 121 flying, but the other 99.8% of your time spent with the airlines/airports/TSA body cavity searches/ect will be easily put behind you. The regionals will continue to staff their RJs with starry eyed kids who can afford to pay to fly, but they will have to start supplying animal cookies and juice boxes in the crew meals. In other words, run, run as fast as you can for that other job. You will not regret it.