Airpilot, many of us know how you feel. Financially, i'll be in debt for many years, and I still am looking for that first job, and like Desk-Pilot I too left a good job which meant security and good money in the hope that I will some day make it into the right hand seat.
I work part time jobs now as a flight instructor, door man, labourer etc. to make ends meet. I've seen this business ruin friendships, marraiges and families but i'm still determined to make it, even after several years.
It's really up to you where to draw the line, but don't put yourself into a bad situation that could leave you depressed. It's a horrible place that i've already been to already. Your still over 20+ years from retirment, If that means you have to work a different job for the next year or two then so be it, but don't completly give up everything after coming so far, keep your instructing going part time I say, it's a way of keeping your foot in the door.
S.C.