Stringerbell,
I was in a similar situation.....nearly 14 years(im nearing mid 30's) of a good, solid, well paid career when I finally decided to take the plunge and go for CPL/IR. I could have stayed in my current job and retired at 50 with full pension and all the perks but I decided to take the leap and go for the career change. I already had my PPL and a couple of hundred hours by that time. I went on and finished the CPL/IR and ended up job hunting roughly 2 years ago(not a good time - things were starting to go downhill!!). Fortunately I was able to fall back on my previous career and keep myself in employment in the interim. Flying wise, in my spare time for the last 3 years i've been glider towing, parachute dropping, and even bit the bullet and got my FI rating. As absolute luck would have it however, I am now starting my 1st airline job before this xmas. Given the current climate, i've been incredibly lucky(unbelievebly lucky in fact!) to get it, it really is a chance a million. Perhaps i've been lucky getting the job in 2 to 3 years...some take longer, some less,some dont get a job at all. Its a big decision to make.. lots of cash, and lots of heartache! I guess im just one of the lucky(very!!) one's. The market looks very difficult for the next couple of years....have a "plan B" in the pipeline if things dont work out flying wise.
