bushtucker guy,
There is some excellent advice here, however don't bypass an instructor rating, if you think that you could put up with instructing. As a junior grade III instructor with no experience you can often get a start in a rural/remote place, where there is no competition.
Most instructors stay around the Capitol cities and don't get any chance for 'real' flying - i.e. charter in remote areas. An instructor rating at least gives you a start in the industry.
Instructors with experience are just about always employed and they have had a chance to improve their CRM skills. As an instructor, if you get sick of living in the 'middle of nowhere' - you can always high-tail it back to civilisation and fly casually for a few months. Versatility is the key.
Having said that, don't get an instructor rating if you have no desire to teach people to fly. Instructing is not glamorous and not as easy as most non-instructors would have you believe.
Goodluck!