Good post Daydreamer, very frank and honest assessment and it must take some courage to admit to yourself that you dont actually want to continue with a lifelong dream. I also have friends in the industry who love flying, loved being instructors, got to the airlines, and hate it, but the pay is too good to leave for some.
So it's not for everyone, however Id also balance the thread by saying that Im an "airline pilot", however fly a regional TP, short sectors, busy busy airspace, into one of the most challenging airports around. Boring? No. Too busy to be bored. Home most nights after not too hard a days work. It's right for me, not sure long haul would be though. So flying a big shiny jet across the Pond is not the only type of flying around. The enjoyment factor in my job is huge and not a moment to be bored.
Just another thought for anyone reading this anyway.
Cheers.