This topic has been posted many times before!
For me its certainly not the status or money (or lack of!). My reasoning behind it, is that flying has been my passion for a long time and any other "job" is in the shadow of a career in aviation!
Ever seen when a B744 is taking off and there is a moment where u feel there is no possible way something that big could possibly get airbourne! Then she gracefully lifts towards the sky! Does it for me everytime!