I'd want to be making at least $100k a year to keep doing it, which was technically in reach at the regionals as a Capt, but it would have been a long time coming. I was only just reaching the point to being able to upgrade as a super junior capt.
I figured between all my work related expenses, food, hotels, parking etc I was spending around $1000mo, so after all was said and done about $2000 was actually making it into my bank account after taxes, union fees etc each month. So basically I was gone 5 days a week for about $100 a day pay.
My goal was to be that flag carrier intl capt who flies 10 days a month, not unlike a Delta 767 Capt I commuted to work with frequently. I think most airline pilots would prefer to fly as little as possible for as much money as possible lol
For now I'm keeping my CFI current, renewing it online now actually. I'd like to get a checkout at the local areo club once finances allow. It be a lot more fun to fly around VFR when I'm making more money anyhow, flying IFR all the time kills a lot of the joy of flying. I missed the days of circling barns in the country for no reason whatsoever other than I could! I'm not done with aviation, just done with it as a career, least for now. If someone offered me a job where I could be home every night I'd certainly consider it.