Deciding what to do is really up to you. You are going to get so many varing opinions, from people who hate the industry to people who love it. Its just like anything else in life.
I'm 24 and working on my CFI ratings now in hopes I can be flying for a regional in the next year or so. I've always wanted to be a professional pilot, and I'm not going to let a few comments from people change my mind. I served in the military for 4 years, so I know what crappy pay is like. I haven't made more than $30k a year so far in my life, so getting a regional job isn't going to affect my life financially because that pay scale is all I've ever known. One thing I know for sure is I don't want to be half way through my life waking up every morning hating my job. Of course your situation is different because your older, with a wife, nice house, good paying job etc.
Only you can decide whats more important for you. Down sizing your life in terms of money spent, for a job you love or a job you hate with good pay. Honestly flying GA aircraft is fun, but it doesn't do it for me. I need to feel the thrust of turbine engines launching me into the sky and passengers in the back respecting that my job is one of great importance. I don't care about making 6 figures. I care about waking up in the morning feeling proud of my job. I can't think of anything better than wearing a pilot uniform and climbing into a million dollar machine.
I wish the industry paid better, but I am driven by hope. Hope that the airline industry is still a place where a great career can be made. To fly 737's for Southwest Airlines is the ultimate goal for me. I find it hard to believe that there isn't an abundance of happy pilots sitting in big jet cockpits loving life. Maybe they are just so happy they don't have time to spend on internet message boards.
I do know someone who is Captain for Continental flying 747's. Been with them for 20 years and he loves his job. They are out there.
Do what makes you happy. You only live once.