Thanks everyone for your time, support and responses. As someone mentioned my list of pros and cons are the same as all of us in this roller coaster of an industry and leaving far outweighs the gamble of staying but I really do like the idea of instructing to both stay current and for the fun of flying. It's sad that this is the state of our profession but I don't see things significantly changing for the better.

I think, even before I posted on here, that my mind was made up but I was hesitating on actually making the move. I'm sure, in the future, when I hear a jet overhead I'll think of where I could have been or remember what it was like in the cockpit up there but the low pay and poor QOL are no longer outweighed by the fun of flying. I have taken my final vacation days next month and will make that my final month in aviation. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences with me.

Fixed it for you Never stop flying, remember the reason many of us got into professional aviation is because we loved to fly. Just because you aren't getting paid to do it doesn't mean you can't still enjoy getting up in the sky. In the end that is all that matters. Being as free as a bird.

I would like to offer two final suggestions for you to consider.

1.) Is it possible to take a leave of absence for a short period giving you the opportunity to "cool off" a bit and possibly get some clarity on your decision. Maybe you would feel differently in a month and more focused and refreshed. If not a LOA, then maybe a discussion with your chief pilot. Since you would be leaving anyway, there would be no harm in talking with him. Maybe you could do some duty in the training department. The new written exam rules that go into effect in 2 weeks require instructors with ATP's and 2 years of airline experience.

2.) Could you be happier with a different kind of professional flying? You mentioned flight instructing just now so that leads me to believe you might be open to it. What about getting on corporate or with a fractional? Would be best to do something like this while still current.

IF you leave the industry, and IF you ever feel like you made the wrong choice, try this:

Some weekend when the weather is really crappy all over, go rent a plane, plan a 14 leg two day trip, only fly the non-precision approaches, and be sure you get reduced rest.

Do this, and you will remember why you left.

Pilots are indeed strange and weird sometimes.

I respect your decision to leave and I don't know your personal life so I don't judge you.

Anyway, there are people who want just to be or work as a pilot and feel really bad to have to make another job or even they don't want to do something else at all then there are people who quit or after getting the licence they change their mind: I consider you pretty lucky to be free to take that step!

Pilots are no stranger or weirder than any other group.. Career changes happen all the time. In fact, it is probably more common than you think. Even the most well researched career decision by a highly intelligent person that "thinks" the airline job may be a perfect fit can have "life changing moments" that eventually make the flying career unsuitable... Life happens.... People change... There will always be those that love the job and do it their whole life. Then others (in this thread) that find peace and happiness elsewhere...
It is a gift to have choices....

In my short 10 years in the airlines have I never had an experience like you mentioned.

You are blessed my son. Most in aviation have a long and miserable road and little to show for it. Don't buy any lottery tickets because you have most likely used up all your luck already.

Skyhigh

I started new hire class at a Legacy when I was 28 years old. I was the 3rd most junior in my class to a 27 yo and a 25 yo. Of course I'll never hit number one, as there are plenty senior to me who are younger than I.

What airline does 14 legs in 2 days with min rest and all non-precision approaches?

Hyperbole, much?