Bex,
I am in the same position, being an Ex Bmi junior Captain, and I must admit I have not read every single post of this thread, but have you considered part time.
I don't have a family, however, going down the part time route would give you that week off, at least one weekend off a month and the ability to work a couple of days during your week off on YOUR terms to earn some extra bunce.
This is something I am considering for the future, especially with the potentially of having to do reserve 3 times a year
.