Rob says it all.
We're not just displaying the changing viewpoint that you'd expect from anyone who's been in any business for some time.
The job really has changed enormously. The rot set in in the early nineties, then started to accelerate throughout the rest of the decade.
Before then, I too would do it all over again at the drop of a hat. But with the working conditions you're looking at now, it's just not an attractive or sensible proposition. So much better to make money and fly for yourself in my opinion.
And as well as missing kids' birthdays, there's Christmas as well. For a lot of airlines these days, Christmas is just another day. Not very nice looking back to all the times you might have dissapointed your kids.
These words are meant in the sincerest way. Don't believe the hype.