I strongly believe that anyone doing an ATPL or wanting to do one should go into it with their eyes fully open.
After 10-15 years in the industry it is highly likely that it is going to be just another job. Relationships and friendships are bound to suffer, you have to work odd hours, weekends (so that party/that drink may have to be put off ETC).
Needless to say I still wanna do it, I know it is going to be one hell of a struggle and finally I am saving now (after paying off student debts). I personally can't stand my job, I sit there 9-5:30 bored senseless, I hate the routine and I hate office life. I was happier working shifts in my last position even if it wasn't paid as well. There is nothing else I want to do, so I have to go for it. I don't have a partner (just split up with my girlfriend but she knew about my desire to fly for a living and was fully aware that it was likely that we wouldn't have survived once I started training). Sept 11th was a nightmare for most industries. I still know friends from Uni that haven't got full time jobs and we graduated 2 years ago. I know of one who got onto Barclay's grad scheme, starting salary was high and was made redundant 6 months later and now can't get another job. His dream of working in Banking is in tatters as well. Wages have been kept lower by the economic climate, we recently advertised for a position and had over 500 applicants many with over 10 years experience and the money was fairly low!, it is tough out there everywhere.
Unfortunately the airline industry has a massive barrier to entry in obtaining the license. Other careers do as well to some degree, but it genuinely doesn't peek over 10k. One of the major problems is that financial institutions IMO, don't fully understand the requirements of wannabe pilots, you can walk into most banks and get financial advise about law courses, accountancy training but it seems that it isn't always stretched for pilots.
The governments attitude with VAT on flight training is also disgusting, how they can't call an ATPL course vocational I will never know, but lots of things needs to be changed or there could be a major shortage in years to come.
Out of interest my father is a Dr, ex surgeon and the only advice he has ever given me is to never go into the medical profession and then rants about how it has changed, the NHS etc, and how he should have done law, accountancy instead. Not everyone is currently happy with their lot, the grass always seems greener on the other side. But I do understand the points of those that have been in the industry for 15 years plus, many sacrifices have probably been made over the years, and they just aren't as happy as they once were.
Best of luck everyone
Sagey