Additionally I would have to agree with Arm Out The Windows comments, even when we do get that first job up north/west that might only be day VFR, it can be handy for the operator to know that if the wx does close in you can still bring the A/C home.
What!!...How exactly do you think that having an inst rating is going to help you fly a day VFR machine in bad weather???
I knew a low hour non-current inst rated pilot who believed this bullsh%t and ended up in a spiral dive, in cloud, in a day VFR C-206.
I'ts been my Experience that the only thing more dangerous than a low hour non-current inst rated pilot, is a low hour instructor.
An airline/GA operator won't give you a job without a Instrument Rating.
What a croc...you don't need an instrument rating to fly scenics or SE piston charter.