"And I've got some good friends at SWA who would do what they do for minimum wage."

Translation: they would do it, provided they didn't have any bills.

I'd say, keep going for it, if you enjoy it, but take your time with it and try to pursue a backup career if you can. There is no reason to rush right now. There will be hiring again, but it'll be a few years from now. Plus, there are other really cool jobs in Aviation you could do too.

I work in Telecommunications, and instruct on the side. I am fairly busy, but I try to schedule my flights when my wife works, so we still get to spend time together. I make decent money with my regular job, and enough on the instruction side to store for a rainy day. All in all, it's pretty satisfying to be able to keep flying, even if it's for only a few hours per week. Plus, I am home every night and there is no harm done if I want to suddenly take a week or two off for a vacation. It's pretty sweet.

Someone single like you, OP, could easily do something like this once you get your instructor rating.