I'm with you, I started my ppl in 2004 with the intention of getting my commercial ticket, then listened to all the doomsayers back then pointing out that there were no jobs, autonomous airliners coming, the world is over etc etc - then spent the next 13 years watching as all my mates stepped into airline jobs, pilots were in short supply and generally kicked myself for being short sighted.
So here I am at 38, just completed my PPL at stapleford, bought a beagle pup for hours building about to start my ATPL theory with Bristol.
All I'm saying is that there are Doom Mongers everywhere, if you want to fly - aviation is more than just airlines and there is alot of metal out there still flying! Just do it, but follow the modular route. As far as i can tell those spending 100k plus are just spanking away 50k for fun. Use that 50k saved to buy a spamcan!