Hi,
Can't resist replying to this one as it reminded me of myself once upon a time.
There are few professions that can boast of being as prestigious and glorified as that of becoming an airline pilot. The reality as many well know is rather different. Many of us doing the job admit it took a lot of hard work and a lot of luck at the end of the day. Unless your ‘e inspired, however, it can be seemingly impossible. Motivation comes from seeing others succeed and seeing your self achieve the same one day. It is easy to come on to this forum and moan and groan about this or that and how underpaid we all are etc etc. As has already been said, if you want the money then sit in an office for 8 hours a day. Lord only knows I did and hated it!
A lot of us succeeded by being inspired and keeping positive. Regardless of the obstacles we came up against. TP sounds like one of those rare types who can turn the negatives to a plus and win.
Be inspired...go for it!