I have done the CFI thing, the Military thing, and now the Long Haul airline thing.
What I have found is your enjoyment is truly based on just a couple of things.
A. How good you are at flying.
If you stuggle all the time to "get it", If you stress to the point of collapse on checkrides, and if you get motion sick easy. You will have a miserable time flying as a carrer.
On the other hand, being affraid of heights has nothing to do with it. I HATE heights.
B. The type of people you work with.
If you are with a very good group of people that are professional, don't bich all the time, and can go out and tie one on while on a long overnight, you will have fun almost no matter what. Don't even think about family stuff until you are well along in your career, that's and entirely different discussion.
C. Your company.
Choose one that's right for you whether it's military jets, short haul regional, long haul, or towing banners. All have there pros and cons, but it basically comes down to what you want out of life. Research them all throughly and try one out for a while. If it doesn't work, move on, but don't stay somewhere you don't like because you think you have to.
It can be a great career, but you have to go in with the right attitude. Expect pitfalls and failures, expect long nights away from home with someone you don't like, expect that at some point you will be faced with life and death decisions while getting paid very little, but I have met best friends, have traveled the world, have made some very good money, and have sat at FL410 and thought I was close to heaven.
Who knows what life has in store for you, but "Welcome to the party pal!", Bruce Willis.
