Australian experience.
I’m about to retire after 20 years EMS and Off-shore.
I’ve enjoyed lots of the flying.
But the whole career is basically one struggle after another. With plenty of opportunities for failure. (Medical for example) A huge percentage of CPL graduates never fly professionally. Many never fly again at all.
I sold my house to fund my initial flying training. I’ve paid for instructor rating. Endorsements. Instrument rating. I’ve moved overseas twice to advance my career. I’ve been treated quite badly by several employers, both large and small.
Despite, eventually, being well paid: I can barely afford to retire.
Honestly- I wouldn’t do it again. Certainly not now.
If you can’t get military training and experience while being paid, properly. It would be easier and more straight forward to make enough money to buy your own helicopter than pursuing a career in the helicopter industry.
If you need to ask the internet, or can be talked out of it - do something else.