I have followed this thread with interest but from another perspective. I am about to retire after over 40 years in aviation. Made no money but had a great time, military and then civvie , F/O, Captain, trainer, TRE, the usual pogression.
Dont mean this in anway sarcastic, but what have you been doing wrong?
One would guess that you were on £70k plus as a cpt?
That is certainly making money...!!!