Here's a new perspective. I'm 51, in a stable very well paid government job but hate it. It's stressful, boring and I have to deal with idiots all day.
I'm financially set up to the point where I almost don't have to work any more and could retire in about 7 years.
I have loved flying all my life and am currently undertaking a fixed wing PPL. I am very very tempted to drop everything and take up flying helicopters for a living. I'm not really too concerned about the dollars but would like to achieve something meaningful before being forced to retire. I'm healthy enough to work till 70 and would do that if it was something I enjoyed. Question is - is it worth pursuing at my age?
And noone has actually mentioned - how much does the average chopper pilot earn??
Apologies for the hijack.