Naturally, this forum is full of enthusiasts in their early 20's who will tell, that being a pilot is is more than about money. Idealism is afterall a virtue, when you are 20+. It is just natural.. I was one of those people many years ago.
The truth is however,that once you are past the "honeymoon" period your views will also naturally be changing.
The old saying, that "beauty is only skin-deep" exists for a reason. Sure, flying a big 747-400 will still be sort of fun, but your battle with lack of sleep and chronic jetlag will be much higher on your list of priorities.
You might not be there for those special moments when your son/daughter makes her first steps, nor may you see their graduation. Your family might have to celebrate many of the christmas holidays without you.
Additionally, in your 20's you have normally very little responsibilities - no wife, house and children to look after, therefore no mortgage, school tuitions and healthcare costs to confront.
Layoffs in bad times - and aviation seems to have many of those - might affect you more than other professions and having a non aviation related qualification as a backup is vital if you want to avoid anxieties.
Overall, depending what kind of person you are and how seriously you take your commitments, there is a fairly steep price to pay in this profession. In the past, the pay and the extended time off was one of the factors, that helped to compensate.
The deterioration of conditions over the last decades has taken a toll on the profession as the whole and whilst the public perception of you might still be glorious, your wallet will no longer validate it.
So go ahead, make your dream a reality, just know all the facts
