I've left the low cost industry, after 6 years,around 5 months ago and can honestly say its the best thing I've done in my career. I have now lost weight, my blood pressure has returned to normal and feel alive again. I now have a life other than work and have lost that burnt out feeling that I'd got so used too. I generally feel 10 years younger and am much less of a grumpy old man(according to my kids!) she who must be obeyed has also noticed a pleasant change!
I'm not the type to moan about hard work but I'm sure that if I stayed in the low cost sector I would not have made it to retirement.I would have had health issues or killed myself driving home after a 20 sector block.
I now fly for a corporate operator still do a lot of flying but have more recovery time between shifts which has made a hugh differance.