I’ve done SH only, LH only and a mix.
When asked the same question on many occasions when flying, I said lean forward and look out. The picture is the same whether in a 321 or 380..
However, if it is LH it is either dark or the sun is coming up in your eyes. Get used to living at 30W in your head, just as your children and wife (if you have been at home enough to find one) get used to you not being there. Years later my Wife told me the LH only period was the most difficult for her.
SH from a regional base with a short commute; perfect. You get a chance to meet and have a family. You get to know those you work with and are not just a number. You get to know other people in the community. My Wife’s art teacher thought I was unemployed as she saw me regularly and at my Son’s primary school where I often picked up/dropped off, one mother exclaimed when I arrived in uniform “now I understand why Julie thought it strange you were a pirate!” The bottom line is being at home and being part of the community whilst still enjoying your flying. You do not help yourself with a long commute or being in a huge pool of pilots.
Living in London is expensive. My Son’s 2 bed flat would buy a 4 bed house with a meaningful garden elswhere. Sure you get to see many interesting places, but only where you are sent and New York for the 50th time is just New York…. Use that “spare” money and go where you want to.
There will no doubt be many here outraged by my position, but I’ve had a great career in aviation and most importantly a happy family life and am still married to the same woman 37 years on.
No matter what is said here, it will be your choice. Sure, you can go back to SH from LH, but you can’t go back to a broken home life.
Me