turning point.
Not great input into the thread, but thought i'd share my decision, a big one at that. For years and years I have want to earn a career as a Pilot, not for the money, not for the glamour but simply flying. I was on my way to starting hour building/CPL/IR etc etc, but in the last few days I have realised that its just not worth it...for me anyway. I work 147 days a year for just under 50K a year, I work away 2 weeks at a time in a secure job, not stressful, not all that difficult, then I have 3 weeks off, where I dont even think about my job. I have decided that pursuing this airline career malarkey, is just not worth the financial commitment, the worry, stress and uncertainty in finding and keeping a flying job.
To splash out another 50k-60k on licences that will earn me less than i'm on now for working double if not more than my current job, and the additional worries of medicals and sim checks etc.
So big turning point in my life, going to buy me a PA28 or similar and enjoying my flying as a hobby, perhaps age has now seen me see sense, or am I now just being realistic.
Obviously I'm in a lucky position with my job just now, and I wish everyone who chases this dream/career all the best, but I would hardly call a 60K licence an "investment" these days.