Many Moons ago, I was sort of where Garfs seems to be.
Did my PPL(H) - a complete revelation (Way pre-JAR-FCL)
It rapidly became clear that to get to any decent standard as a hele pilot you needed to do MORE flying than a normal PPL does. You also need to do flying or operate to a higher standard than just taking friends/relatives for an expensive orange juice and lemonade. I was encouraged to go the PPL instructor route by the guy who was my flying mentor. It was exactly the right thing for me - taught me a hell of a lot.
Lots of hoop jumping later I am doing one of those dream jobs and no regrets. I still try and keep the "other" business going, but I have no interest and it is just an insurance policy......
No significant pension and a lot less money, but no tormented "what-ifs?" as I settle onto my porch and reflect on my life.
Life - full of choices, if you are lucky.