Every time I read a thread like this I feel like I have a different career than everyone else. I go to work everyday loving it. I got hired at 20 (with a 4 year degree), been here for 4 years. No I haven't upgraded yet, but in those 4 years I've bought a house, developed a great marriage, and eliminated virtually all of my loans. I travel with the wife all the time, and go to work every morning with a huge smile on my face. As a 4 year FO I make around 45K. Not trying to brag, just saying I always hear all these people complain about how horrible aviation is but I've had nothing but a relatively good experience. That’s the thing; I think ones initial experience makes all the difference on how they feel about the job. That is all.