I still enjoy my job at Delta, but I am fairly senior and still making a pretty good wage. Most people don't start out that way, though. There is always that first year pay, and reserve that can cloud the dream. It takes a while to get comfortable with the pay and schedule, maybe a few years. 9-11 really did smack the "airline pilot lifestyle" with several BKs that affected average pay, and the introduction of RJs have shrunk many mainline fleets. Age 65 will stagnate many airline seniority lists, which will slow hiring. Once you are on with an airline, save money and invest in 401Ks and DC programs. Pensions at most airlines are gone or could be gone in the next dip. Overall, it is a good job if you can withstand the first couple years of lower pay and worse QOL. If you can get past that, then you can be comfortable, but never really totally secure. Just don't be a big spender and enjoy loved ones. An airline with a little variety (maybe a domestic and INTL operation) may keep you more interested in the flying part over time. Good luck.
Bye Bye--General Lee