Most self funding (myself being one) did not go into employment until early 30s. That’s 15 years from leaving school, plenty of opportunities to save up.
I didn’t get the first job employment until 38. Have nearly racked up 2 decades on a narrow body and on the verge of calling it a day. I could have retired 10 years ago had I not changed fields though. I don’t blame my kids at all for having no interest at all in becoming a pilot.
I can’t even think to imagine being young 20s with a 150k bounty over your head going into an industry paying poverty wages...and foxbat time.