Are there any career instuctors out there?

Is is possible to make a living instructing without taking an oath of
poverty?

I would love to instruct full time but the rates seem downright insulting.
The only instuctors I know are either young kids waiting to get on with the
majors, or geezers who drive rusted out Ford Pintos and can't afford to
retire.

Yes I know many do it for the love of the game (and I understand that), but
can anyone make a reasonable living at it?

I'm 51 and work as an IT Manager in a gas utility where I'm bored out of my
mind. I own a Cessna 172, am an ATP/CFI and would love to change careers
but I've got 2 kids in university and a wife and a teenager at home. While
my wife is constantly telling me "you're so unhappy at work, go fly for a
living", she also expects a few minor things like food, clothing and
shelter.

Are their any market niches for instructing that make more money? Can you
link it with some other source of income like teaching at a college or
university?

Anyone care to share their thoughts/experiences (both the good, the bad and
the ugly)?

Thanks...Peter