Boy this is a great question..... By reading the above posts one would wonder why anybody would ever become a pilot! That being said there are many very happy pilots in this country. From what I read on these boards most of the discontent comes from the younger (instant gratification) generation. This is not meant as a personal jab at anyone in particular. I have not been flying all that long (about 25 years), but when I was acquiring the experience needed to land a good job I really enjoyed what I was doing.

Our profession has changed over the years but two of the biggest changes are the top-end pay at the majors has been severely diminished and the chances of working for a major carrier gets lower daily! The regional pay has always sucked, with tough schedules and poor working conditions. No longer is a regional viewed as a stepping stone but rather a potential career position. That being said strides are being made in the regional field. Regional pilots are paid more on average than I was when I started (even accounting for inflation). The aircraft flown are much more automated and comfortable than the old Bandits, shorts, metros, etc.

The people that are really successful in this career are normally guys who really enjoy what they do and also understand the negatives and pitfalls of this career path. I for one really enjoy my job and I can say they same for 99% of the guys I work with!