I'm officially a senior citizen (how the h.e.double toothpicks did that happen so fast?). Started flying as a self-assigned goal I'd had since childhood and earned my private at 32...IRA at 33...CML at 44...CFI at 45. Lots of life in between; probably could have cratered my career in IT and gone deep into debt at 33 and earned a seat in my mid-30s, but, again, life got in the way. I've maintained my certs, keep current, and, when I finally say 'to heck' with the 9-5 life and pull the pin on the 'official' career...FBOs in both locations I live in have expressed interest in giving me a desk and list of students who they can't handle because the carriers are hoovering up the young bucks who've patiently waited to get the call back over the last couple years.
I've found that, of all the ratings, the CFI, while did not pay the mortgage or bills, did provide a steady (even if part-time) source of extra cash to fund my own airplane, take a nice vacation in said plane every year, and in between, I got paid to put hours in my log and pass on the love of the aviation art, and sign off a few (over 30 at this point) pilots (including two that went on to serve our country as Naval Aviators after graduating from the Academy...). There is a certain satisfaction in that...don't discount the honor of being a flight instructor who's not focused on padding the log to make them more desirable for a regional seat. Oh, you might not get that turbine ride (or may, who knows who you will come across that will want you to do that...), but, in the end, if you're serious and focused on both being the best pilot you can be AND willing to share that knowledge with others...the effect you will have on the profession will last long after you hang up the keys and shut the door for the last time.
Good luck in whatever path you choose; do it for your own reasons, but do it the best you can!
