ATC work/life balance
It's all relative! Yes, you will hear the old-timers saying "it's not what it used to be" etc. and that is true. But the world is not what it used to be. It's not a hardship restricted only to ATC. Remember: the baby boomer generation was raised in a world of free education, cheap housing, public sector jobs-for-life, great pensions etc. and that world simply doesn't exist anymore.
I feel incredibly lucky to have landed such a fantastic career and wouldn't swap it for anything. Missing the odd Christmas lunch or night out drinking is a small price to pay!
My advice would be to apply now while you're deciding. The waiting list is only getting longer!
Good luck.