dlesmond, the wise words in your post certainly make me question your age of 18!
Spot on with the advice. Don't just look blindingly at the end-goal. Enjoy the views on the journey to get there. So, whether you go bush-flying (and it will take a toll on ALL your friend/relationships), or go instructing and charter in the metro area (it may get mundane and tougher competitively) - focus on doing the best you can in that area first. Maybe even do both, then at airline interview time you can say you are widely experienced in all areas that you could because you just "love flying" etc...
I don't know what you're family situation is, but I had the opportunity to go bush and turned it down, and I haven't looked back...
Matt