I wouldn’t expect you to be flying as a student necessarily, but I’d have thought a dentist’s salary would enable you to do a bit of flying. I think my point is, be careful that you are thinking of switching to a flying career for the right reasons. In the same way you said dentistry was a bit of a knee-jerk reaction - just be sure flying isn’t another one. Twenty years as a commercial pilot will be more than enough career to make it worthwhile though, so if it’s genuinely what you think will make you happy, I say go for it! Life is too short, and time at work too long, to be doing something that you don’t enjoy. So many people do not enjoy their jobs, and it’s something I’ve always considered a real privilege about a flying career. Of all my friends from six years at university, I’m the only one who still genuinely enjoys their career. I’m far from the richest, but I have by far, the best work life balance.