Hmmm...so basically the picture everybody is painting is yes, I can get into the cockpit of a regional jet by the time I'm like 46 years old, if I choose the accelerated airline program (ATP). However, after that they say I will face a financial ruin.
I'm a registered nurse, make $40/hr or more depending on my contract. Nursing offers unlimited choice of shift and I can work as many or as few days per week I want.
If a regional pilot job is 5 days per week making 20K/year then I'm screwed but if it's flexible enough to allow me to have a second job (as a nurse) then maybe I can pick up 2 nurse shift per week to save my financial ass...