Get into aviation because you love it. The flying, and the decision making that comes with piloting. Not because you want to cost justify it in one way or another.
I am a big believer that aviation, especially soaring, is something that you try to talk people out of, not into. Tree climbing, especially big trees and tossing big wood exercises decision making and situational awareness. Flying takes it to a whole 'nother level. After parenting, it is the second biggest adventure and mental exercise I have ever embarked on.
I couldn't imagine life without flight - I am not sure how you earth bound folks get by.
In regards to licenses, I am only 12hrs into flight lessons. It costs both time and money. Money comes and goes, time is in short supply. I find motorized flight boring in comparison to soaring yet I can promise you that I will get my license - both because my pops has a 182 and sail planes are on my 10yr plan. Without access to a plane, I could never afford motorized flight. Eric said it - they call them $100 hamburgers for a reason.