From reading your post it seems like you have already made your mind up! The prospect of making your own schedule and being your boss sure does sound appealing. What I am starting to accept that as a pilot you are always going to be the pawn, all you are to the airline is an expense! Of course not every management team will believe that but I'd take a guess a fair few do! I've yet to start my training, (CP55 in Nov). I know it’s not going to be an easy and glamorous life but I'm going into it knowing that. You don’t need to justify your decision to anyone on here, make it and be confident that is the one you wanted.