Tunfisk,
I know what you mean with the office jobs. I've had an office job for quite a while, since I have a degree in something else before I started flight training. The aviation industry is ridiculous when it comes to money and job stability.
Companies will take advantage of desperation [of new pilots] and do whatever they want with their employees. Some are okay though. I make only one third of what I used to make working in the office but thank God I can still have a little consulting business on the side which makes me some money.
The Canadian North is not quite as vast as some people think (in terms of aviation). There are a few companies fighting for government contracts or things of other sort (crew changes, scientific charters, regional airline).
Good luck. If I were you, with your hours I'd try Asia or Africa. You have a much better chance of flying there. And remember... forums are NOT the place to get info. Knock on doors, visit company websites, talk to friends.
I've done okay in aviation so far, but not before I lost 66% of my income and went from being a middle manager of a firm to loading planes. The company I work for though is cool and people are awesome.
Is it worth it? No... not yet, but you see the dream of being a captain on a wide-body jet one day seems to keep me going. Will we ever be happy? That depends on the individual.