I went PPL in the USA to PPL in Europe, then CPL/IFR MEL in USA to several years saving money, then ATPL in USA for 5 years gaining important experience then European ATPL and up to present full JAR ATPL flying charter jets based in Europe. I started in 1978 at 24, kind of late maybe, but we also had a baby boy at home. The salary then was enough to live, sharing many crash pads and making everlasting friendships. Some special force had to be at work to be able to stand being 6000 miles away from wife, baby and home, just to fly airplanes.
Money, secondary.
The planes I flew never came to get me. I had to manage that part...bugging chief pilots, calling all the time, visiting the dispatchers to get on a good term basis...years later you learn that your dispatchers are the owners of an airlines mood...pilots happy with rostering love their dispatchers...
This is harder nowadays. But getting in means getting out...getting out there where the action is...could well mean leaving home...
You are up against MANY others like yourself so go prepared, specially in attitude.
Good Luck
