Treeshaver.....
I agree with GSXTY on this, most people who have managed to get a good flying job don't spend much time on PPRUNE. As a consequence these forums can indeed look gloomy, filled with negative/depressing/desperate stories that can easily grind you down.
I really do sympathise with you................If I had my time again I would NOT do it!
However......................I am now captain on a small turbo prop and it just has to be the best job in the world! I get paid to do something I would pay to do!
I felt like chucking it all in on a few occasions (did actually for 2 years) but in the end I had to give it 'one last go'. Fortunately it worked.
My advice would be to put a time limit on it, say perhaps another 2 years. If no success by then.......cut yer losses and quit, at least you tried.
Are you able to start the new career but keep the flying on the back burner?
What ever you do I wish you well.
Cheers
UTF