30 years an Airline Pilot retired. Glad to be out.
Rule One. Make sure it's for you first, go flying pull some G, some people just can't fly.
Rule Two, There's no such thing as walking into a Job. (this is flying school hype)
Rule Three. Expect 4 years minimum to get trained at around US$100,000
Rule Four Expect to sit in the right hand seat (First Officer) for about 5 to 10 years, prior to Command (sometimes one gets lucky with less)
Rule Five Salaries range from very little to alot depending what your in command of.
Rule Six Expect to be away from home most of the time, long sectors sitting on your arse, and even longer waiting.
Rule Seven Competition from every other pilot with no experience is fierce, don't expect to be one of the lucky ones.