I think their are alot of facts hit on by stormguy80.
It is for these reason I have more respect than ever for those who are meteorologist today. Not so much on-air meteorologist, I got a glimpse of that with an intership awhile back....more so for private and govt. mets today. The sacrifices made to carry on within the profession, the hours, the stress, the overall underappreciation financially can really wear on a person.
I made the decision to walk away from the profession after 5 years in the private sector. I enjoyed what I did more than any job I will ever have, but EVERYTHING else about it slowly drained my desire to continue as a meteorologist. I had no desire to relocate out of the general location where I was living, nor did I feel like working the number of hours I did which took a toll on my personal/family life.
I was able to find a job in a totally unrelated profession, one that I could have gotten straight out of high school most likely, making ten thousand dollars a year more than I made while being a meteorologist. Add onto that, sleeping nights, holidays and weekends off and my battery was able to recharge after about 6 months at my new job.
After going through what I have, when I look at those meteorologist out there today, I know they are all busting their asses and care about their jobs probably more than anyone in any other profession. Its a damn shame they aren't rewarded for it like they should be but I give them all the credit in the world as they continue what they are doing.