A year or so ago on a plank wing thread on Pprune a "Wannabee" was cautioned that, "Pilots eat their young." If you read some of their threads you get the point.
But Rotorheads does not. They tell it like it is to new enquirers, which is generally hard and expensive and requires sacrifices. But after a while reading the forum you realise that this is one group of people who are doing what they want to do in life.
Mostly the pay is moderate to low, but they accept that as the price they pay for lifting the collective each morning. They go back to their moderate dwelling in a used car after a day that varies between mundane and the peak of the aviation profession.
Perhaps the highest level of heroism in the world today is found in the helicopter air sea rescue services. To see that as the pinnacle of what you hope to do gives the junior guys a feeling of being part of a very respected group of professionals.
The change from your social environment in the office of a Project Manager where your status depends on your latest car or the latest plasma tv will be dramatic. I have seen that professional helicopter pilots are not interested in what you own, but what you can do. Your position in the hierachy is based on your flying ability, on your experience, and your reserve in telling anyone about your skills.
UKL50,000 will buy you many things. If you choose to spend it on the start of a helicopter career it may be the best money you've ever spent. As long as you realise that it will not buy you Sunday colour section riches, but the richness of having made a difference.