Joined a European fast-expanding Low-cost company almost half a decade ago and I´m happy. Skippers do about 830 a year and FO´s about 100 less I would say. Summers are busy, but winters are for the most quiet on 3/4 of the many bases. Ratio between 8 and 10+ hour days are about 65/35. Salary is ok, and we are organised. Plenty of BDO´s for those who feel for it. Massive difference from what I experienced at "the harp". I think the sweet spot for me in the future is a 80% contract. I doubt most of us in Low cost will survive being on 100% for the rest of our careers. Not looking for a new job at the moment.
As mentioned before I think happiness in the industry is a bit up and down, depending on expansion, leadership and so on.
I have been flying for almost 16 years now, and I do not envy friends and family in office-jobs at the moment. Just as we see longer hours and decline int T&C´s so do they. Most of them with no union to pull things in the opposite direction....