I did the career change a few years ago (also from IT), I have a job but make far less than I've ever made in IT. The flying part is still very great, the problem however is you only fly 250-300 hours a year, the rest is just very boring. Considering that and hardly making enough money to keep my family alive,..... the choice is simple..... Back to IT, a bit of instruction during the weekends, and flying for fun with wife and kids. (Which I can afford if I work in IT)