Great thread, and thank you to all the pilots sharing their perspectives. I would like to think I am well informed about what I'm going to get myself into thanks to people like you.
I'm not going to ignore any information or colour it in a way that benefits me, but I also still want more than anything else to be a pilot. I can't imagine doing anything else, and if I don't do this, I'll kick myself for the rest of my life. I'm not content to just exist, in some routine doing some job I couldn't give a rats ass about. I want an unconventional life. I want to tie bush planes to a dock in some obscure place in the Yukon. Something that keeps me alive.
Having said that, I respect that different people are in different positions in life, and that has a huge effect on what you can and can't do. I'm going to take advantage of my current position in life while I can and do this. If I regret it in 25 years, then it's my own doing, and I'll have enjoyed the trip.
Bottom line is, to all wannabe pilots I'd suggest to make sure you make your own individual and well informed decision.
Cheers!
And good luck to all in your endeavours. And may all you seasoned pilots find what makes you happy.