Yes, I worked but it was easy to be at the airfield as that's where I worked. Unfortunately, I had to actually work so it was only at lunchtime that I could meet pilots. At first I didn't have my own transport so had to leave the field to catch the daily bus home. Then I managed to buy a motor bike which meant I could stay on in the summer evenings. Got my PPL in 1980 and yes, networking got me some ferry flights. Quite often had to hitch a ride home from some isolated places. But it was free, and I hadn't got any money so that's what I did. Still flying after nearly 40 years, despite a bit of a blip when I had some medical problems last year. A Stern Vega now, the Cub is giving aerotows to vintage gliders at Lasham. Getting used to twice the speed and four times the landing run on the same engine model.
Still haven't got any money, but I have a microlight, a balloon, and half a Vega. And an MGB but no motorbike.Sad old git.