This might be the best post I've read on this site. Bravo sir.
Thank you. No one has a crystal ball and flying for a living and a good living isn't just all about the airlines any longer and hasn't been for many years. There is bush flying, cargo/freight, flying for the Sheriff's and Police departments, flying for a firefighting department, the Forestry department, ferrying, contract flying, good decent corporate and charter ops (yes they do exist), Sim Instructing, several types of test flying, ex-pat flying, med ambulance, agriculture, Federal and State flying jobs, even a combo of jobs if they are seasonal, just an enormous amount of good, enjoyable/fulfilling flying to be had.
And no matter how much you love to fly, it's still just a job. A great job when it all jives, but even the best of jobs all have their issues. Do what makes you happy and what fits your lifestyle. No type of flying is more prestigious than another kind either. I mean seriously, who cares? A plane is a plane and they all have wonderful views. Be flexible and set goals that are adaptable. The really important thing, which I stated in my previous post, is to enjoy your damn life and your family and friends. Life is short enough as it is.
I see so many people changing jobs at the drop of hat before they have even given that job a fair shake. You can second guess yourself right into oblivion. Sure, crap happens at some companies, but it happens in all careers, not just flying. Pilots like to act like they are only ones on the planet who spend a lot of money and time in training and on their careers.They aren't and all industries change over time. Anyone can live a happy and satisfying life without so many bells and whistles too. It's the simple and little things that matter, not a bunch of worthless toys. It's the relationships you have along the way that matter, not the material things. It's who you come home to that gives your life real meaning. Relish where you are and don't just keep wishing you were somewhere else all the time. That will make you miserable and empty. Attitude, attitude, attitude.
Have fun. On the side, teach some Young Eagles to fly, go work on some warbirds, go to some fly ins, transport a dog for Paws or a child that needs medical treatment, rent a tail dragger and fly the visuals/landmarks. Get back to the basics of why we decided to fly in the first place and re-discover the peace and joy of simplicity before it's too late. It's not all about uniforms, commuting and contracts.