As someone who has also done a fair bit of flying in different roles, instructing, paradropping, africa and now a shiny jet I havew a few comments. I agree that there are some jobs that most if not all laid off guys will not be looking at, amazingly many low hourd guys don't want to go there either. Paradropping and instructing are the two main ones. Paradropping is not an easy job to get though even though so many say get a job flying jumpers as if they are. There are not that many places and the jobs usually go to people known to the centre. Also as many are now using turbine aircraft that cuts out the total newbie from most.
As far as looking for your first job in Africa flying around the ITCZ being a good idea. It is not! Good fun I am sure but not somewhere for a new pilot to be. Cannot beleive there are many people who would let you fly their aircraft out there with low hours anyway. Some places would be ok mainly down south but then you are probably not going to get a job there as there are employment issues and many home grown pilots.
No one can see the future so it is hard to advise you either way. You could get your licenses, the industry could pick up and you would have a better chance as less people qualified. You could get your license, things could have got worse and you end up spending loads staying current but never get a job. You have to decide if the risk is worth the possible reward.
If it was me. I love flying, and that means any plane. I would go for it, do the exams, hour build, get a single CPL and an IMC, all as cheaply as possible. May get slammed for that by the, I spent +£60,000 so mine is better bregade. Once people have a bit of experience they realise that is mostly total bollo*ks. And then try and get a job flying a light single, you will need to try really hard, travel all over the place, talk to people face to face. If no luck do not throw more money at it, just keep trying.
If living near your girlfriend is the only way to live it will make it far far far harder.