visual,
To understand where you are coming from, I really need to know two things:-
1) Who (as in what type, not neccessarily the exact outfit) do you work for, and
2) What is the professtion you are going to train for which offers you so much more lifestyle at comparable pay?
For my part, I am a line Captain with an LCC (easyJet). I fly around 800hrs a year. I do virtualy no passenger sectors, overnights or ground transport sectrors, have little in the way of delays or disruptions, and work with nice people doing something I love. I believe my job security is good, and if I choose to can hopefully progress to training positions if I have the aptitude.
At times I bounce around max duty hours, and have been known to put in the odd 60 hr week (usualy followed by good time off). I get holidays, I get hotels, I get transport when away from base.
I am better off than some. Those in jobs with lesser conditions should aspire to progress to better positions.
However, by your logic, because there are some who can, at the moment, only get a job with lesser conditions, we should all just give up and do something else.
By the way, if you actually DON'T think I'm an idiot for doing my job, we're hiring at the moment (but only those with a positive attitude.)
Good luck in your endevours.