My wife works in the city and I am a longhaul pilot.
She works far harder than me, but gets paid more.
I get to see great places, but she gets to see the kids more.
I get lots of days off, but often work christmas/weekends/birthdays.
She always brings work home with her, I never do.
Every QUID has its PRO QUO. I love the unpredictability of my job, and could not work 9-5 in an office. If that is what you want, it is the best job in the world.
If you are doing it for the image/status, you will hate it as you get older.
HTH
P-T-G