I know this is not the usual direction, (indeed, its almost always the opposite) but what do people think about applying to the RAF / RN / Army Air Corps? (or equivalent groups in your country - i'm UK based.) Obviously the salary is nowhere near what you earn at the airlines, but for someone who's young enough to be able to join (26 is the max. age I believe), who likely doesn't yet have too many other commitments other than the training loan , they could therefore cut their cloth to meet their new needs.
Anyone here with any experience of making that move, or is in at the moment and has any insight into how viable that is?