What boat ? The sinking ship?
I'm 33, been flying light turboprops for ages, and just joined NJE. I'm very excited and looking forward to start working for a professional organisation.
Unlike you I don't think I'm missing out on anything by not getting in to an airline. On the contrary!
My advice is, get a job in a company and get some experience in the variety of commercial operations - bet it airline or not - before another international crisis hits the world again. Get you name on the seniority list! You can always change career path later again...