OP,

I would say just be realistic. Given your age, you will most likely only be able to experience the bad side of an airline pilot's career and won't be able to stick around long enough to enjoy the good side. In other words, if your goal is to be the Captain of a UA widebody working longhaul international flights, that is almost a mathematical impossibility (especially if you also want weekends and holidays off).

If you are fine with that, great and good luck; but at least be aware of what you are getting into.

Also, you say you are "in your 40s." 41 is a lot better than 49 for what you want to do.