My dad loved being a fighter pilot and instructor. He had zero interest in being an airline pilot, however, as it was just "boring holes in the air". I suppose it's like being a race car driver compared to a bus driver.

Judging by their reputation as alcoholics I'd disagree. Actually seems like a quite terrible job. Doing the same thing every day over and over. And after the novelty of flight wears off probably quite boring. I know being a passenger is and outside of take off/landing I'm not sure there's much difference.

Some might be stuck there, but I still agree that it is largely a passion career unlike many others. Not that there is levels where compensation isn't horrific, but even those are working towards career growth.