Commercial Pilot - What's it like?

[Ronorama]

So, I'm this 27-year old computer nerd who's dying to fly something. I plan to at least get a private pilot's license sometime soon, but I'm also considering commercial flying as a future career.

I'd like to hear from some commercial pilots out there so I have a little more information to help me make my decision. I'm interested in knowing what the hours are like, how grueling the schedules are, how I can expect it to affect my family life (as far as time I'll have to spend with them when I'm not flying), etc. Any and all comments are appreciated, and it doesn't matter what type of commercial flying you're doing, whether it's a major airline, commuter airline, or cargo; I wanna hear about it all.

Thanks in advance for lending your insight. Hopefully there are others who have the same questions and would appreciate reading your responses.

Yours Truly,
Ron Jennings, Austin, TX