I am a Master Mariner, originally from the UK and have held a PPL for many years, although now doing a CPL so that I can perhaps instruct in the future when home on leave.
If you are keen on aviation, do it whilst you are younger and without commitments. When I was about to go for my CPL/IR in the UK back in 2006 things weren't as rosy as they are now, however had things been as good as they are now, I'd have almost certainly made the jump. I believe as an airline pilot, you will have a healthier, less stressful and more normal lifestyle.
Now at 30, I have a family and we are accustomed to a salary significantly higher then a senior long haul airline Captain will likely ever earn, and all for work ing a mere 5 months a year. It would be almost impossible now to move into aviation without making some big sacrifices for my family, something which I couldn't inflict on them.