ArranDreamer,
That was the best post I think I have ever read on Pprune.
You capture the climate of aviation now perfectly, "It's gone people, give it up, let it go".
That is so true. People should take stock of their lives as you have done (to such a brilliant cause as well) and realize that of course dreams are what life is about, but we all do need to take a reality check sometimes.
I would rather have achieved something by the time my cards are up, rather than just facing heartache, more rejection letters and increasing debts.
Great post again, I hope other people will make such an informed and sensible choice as you have.