Hello to one and all! I just saw this thread and thought I might contribute. I am sad to hear that 'Fraggle Flyer' does not like his job - very few pilots would go back to what they were doing previously so you are definitely the exception. Chirpy pilot has it exactly right - good attitude to learning and an eye to the future. You will go far.
I am a training captain with a regional turboprop operator and earn just over £40,000 a year (no sector pay, duty pay etc). It was not that long ago that I earnt £18,000 a year as a First Officer. (I am married to the most tolerant wife in the world and have 2 great kids) It was very hard and it is only now that I feel financially 'secure'. I am just about to go and fly A320s for someone and will probably take a slight pay cut (to approx £38,000 total) until I get picked up for command again. That will almost certainly be several years away.
The bottom line is that flying is only for those willing to make sacrifices and if there are any doubts then don't do it. You will be competing against people who burn with ambition and drive, and frankly I hope they make it before you if they want it more. The final thing to say is - make sure you have what it takes. Now I am a training captain I get to see people who have struggled through training and sadly they will never ever be captains because they simply lack the ability. It is a tragedy for them and my heart goes out to them but it is so easily avoided by doing a PPL and IMC rating first to see if you are really up to it.
To those that really want it - I wish you every success. I personally am very grateful for the chance to go to work every day and do the job I love.