Take the hedge fund job which will involve graphs and indicators of where various industries are heading. You won't find many aviation indicators pointing towards a bright and shiny future. You've made your decision to leave for the finest of reasons and you deserve everyone's respect. Well done to your hedge fund friend for offering an escape. There are many pilots enduring their job because they are trapped by mortgage, family etc. but you're already out so good for you. Try not to be a victim of the burnout mentioned before but if you are, go and be a pilot again.
As someone said earlier, keep your licence current, make lots of money, buy a share in a Cirrus. Job done!
Very best of luck.
