That is an interesting question..
I was a lab technician at a university in Sydney, Australia.
In the 10 years that have passed since I left there I would have got myself a degree in any thing. So I would have been able to be promoted higher or left that course of employment. I most certainly would have paid off my mortgage and probably moved to a much better place. I would have saved a fortune on gym fees and food. ($10 a year at uni.) I would have had guaranteed 7 weeks off per year and known my "roster" 6 months in advance.
In other words, financially I would have been streets ahead. Uni didn't pay brilliantly, when I left I was earning $A28K 10 years ago. It would have been about $A35K or more 4 years ago. When I left Australia to come to the UK, I was earning $A40K as a turboprop pilot(FO).
Yes, I have had a fun career but it has left me perilously short of funds for my retirement. I have only 26 years left to set myself up for that.
Would I do it again? At the age when I started yes, however, I would do things differently. Would I start now at 38? No.