Timmeeee,
In answer to your question I did follow my dream and like you, did it the hard way over many years.
Yes I am now employed by an airline.
Thumbs up,
I am very happy for you and your positive experience at NASA.
I found them to be rather full of bull**** in the end and offered nothing that I was not able to gain elsewhere. As for going out bush don't bother preaching that line to me son I know all about it.
In my experience Sparkie was nothing but a prick. Only pricks keep that amount of money for no services rendered.
You can believe whatever suits you.