G,
I'm living the dream by mine and many other aspiring pilot's standards. Flew Vipers, got hired by UPS, now in the training pipeline to fly CSAR -60's. I wouldn't recommend anyone get into the biz these days by going the civilian only route. Too much risk and debt for not enough reward. Oh, did I mention that my company is making billions in net profits each year and I still got a furlough letter this year? Not jaded, I love my job(s) most days...but I am a realist. For every guy that got lucky like me and 'made it' there are hundreds that get stuck in an RJ or worse. Is there anything wrong with an RJ? Off hand no, but if your goal is a 'major' it's like never getting past AA as a minor league ball player. It will affect your QOL unless you marry up!