The grass really does appear greener on the other side of the fence. Having seen both sides I can say that flying is a wonderful job. But it has drawbacks like anyother.
If you want to get rich it is not the place to be. As a 737 captain I also earn significantly less than I used to in my old job. It is risky, not perhaps in the physical terms of the early days, but definitely in terms of job security and career development.
It is the lack of control over your own destiny that can be most difficult. Your airline can go bust. A few seniority numbers may make years of difference to when you upgrade and tens of thousands to your pay. You might get sick, will probably get divorced and can definitely plan on taking off your shoes at the security check at five A.M. on a regular basis.
You also need a lot of luck to get a job in this environment (but there is a lot of truth that the harder you work the luckier you get). Would I do it again, absolutely!