Flight School or Air Force? Seeking advice from current pilots.
I'm pursuing a career as a commercial airline pilot after realizing business school isn't a good fit for me (plus that $222,000 median salary is calling my name) but am debating how to get there. Flight school looks to cost about the same as a college education, and seeing as I'm already 3/4 done with a marketing degree, I doubt I can afford it.
On the other hand, joining the military would get me the qualifications I'd need and get me paid to to it. Officer Training requires a degree, which I nearly have, so I'd be set there. However it'd also mean joining as an enlisted officer, tied to the military for 12 years with no guarantee I actually end up becoming a pilot and a high risk of washing out and getting stuck doing something else. Plus there's the risk of going to war and all that.
What path would people with prior experience recommend I take? I understand the Air Force to Airline pipeline is often utilized, but I'm curious to hear how it compares to flight school from people who have experienced both.
Edit because everyone seems to think I'm a poser: I am actually passionate about planes and flying, the secure paycheck is just a nice bonus to what I'm hoping turns out to be a fulfilling and meaningful career. And yes, obviously I know I won't make that much straight away, but working a long and challenging career with a clear end goal appeals to me.