1. Age 38 finished CPL
2. Self financed from previous non-aviation job.
3. Drove 3000km's and 4 months looking for my first job. Worked on a cattle station, mustering on a 182, and other station hand type stuff for 1yr. Next job was 6mths more mustering (182), and some IFR Baron work flying the boss around. Then got a start with a charter / RPT company for 3.5yrs. C206, 210, 402, 404 and finally the metro. Now an FO on the A320.
So there is hope if you are a crusty old fart like me, but you had better want it badly enough because its a long road and the money is not quite what it used to be. Esp difficult if you have a wife and kids........