Yes. This is why a degree in something other than aviation is so important ... a lesson I learned the hard way. I have talked to many others like myself who walked away in disgust of the regionals. Unfortunately I think many pilots are hopeless dreamers that never really accept the truth about a seriously flawed industry.

Then, there are some of us that get on with a major while in our mid-20s and enjoy a 35+ year, multi-million dollar career.

OP raises an unconvenient truth: we are being underpaid! If a janitor has the potential to make far more than a mainline captain, what the hell does that say about us?

Regionals are an entry level job and most regional pilots are entry level pilots with limited experience and skills. Build your experience and skills by paying your dues and then move to a career airline.

That the janitor in this story is an incredibly unusual case and not the norm on which to base your life plans?
But if you think that is normal.....I have no doubt that you could probably get a job as a BART janitor.
Good luck!

I agree! There was also toll booth collector that made over 90K in NYC, but certainly wasn't the norm. I'm sure people here have the qualifications to make a career change to one of these lucrative jobs....

Potential is the key word there. It's far from the norm in almost every other floor mopping case. Mainline captains make nearly that without the need for overtime. There are pilots out there that make 400-500k per year. It's not the norm but it happens. If a janitor has the potential to make that much, then every mainline captain has the potential to make even more.