Foxy, hope you get to make some money one day flying the way you want to fly. You have a very healthy outlook on the industry and it sounds like you're going about realizing your dream of flying just the right way.

Skyhigh, you are absolutely right that pay is low because there are those that pursue their dreams and are willing to make financial sacrifices to make that happen. But that is something you should have considered when you chose aviation to make money. I was told over and over again prior to gaining any experience (or even any ratings) that if I was doing this for the money I should move onto something else. Choosing aviation as a lifelong career is a bit like betting your retirement on a poker game. You might double up and retire a wealthy dude and you might lose it all. Honestly, if you don't love flying I don't see how you could even stick with this career. I love it and still keep one eye out for any new, more stable career choices that may fall into my lap. I do hope that you are successful and are able to keep at it until 65 and cash out a hefty 401k. The majority opinion seems to be that QOL and pay should be on the up at airlines over the next 10 years.