Well, if you have the dream, that is alright. Go for it! Just know that it is not what you think it is and make sure you diversify yourself along the way.

I'm happier than a pig in **** that I at least tried. I got to fly a jet for 1000+ hours and certainly scratched the itch. Whether it is out of my system or not, I don't know yet (not sure it ever will be). But, I am excited about a life outside professional aviation and could have only really gotten here with the understanding of what it is like inside. I only flew for 2 years, but between commuting (jumpseating up front with SWA crews, AA crews, USAir crews), talking to captains in my airline, experiencing it for myself, etc, I feel I got a good representative sample of what its all about.

Its not all bad - much of it is pretty darn cool. But, just be smart about how you get there and keep the exit open just in case you decide you don't like it.

Aviation CAN be pursued in a private manner. You just need to get your CFI/II and find a career that pays well.