PB, I left flying after XX years. It took me about 3 months before I was applying again to airlines, I missed it so much but then when I did start flying again, I remembered what it was about flying that got to me in the first place. For me, it was the limitations that come with the job. You can't really progress beyond SCCM. Once you've done that, that's it, at least at my airline. I've dabbled in recruitment and training but again, they are pretty much limited positions, especially when it comes to earnings.
Personally, I needed more, so I'm now doing a degree and working in management for a legacy carrier but everyday, when I see our aircraft, I kinda wish I was flying somewhere.