It's not about the 'return' on your investment in the shape of £ - if you haven't got a ticket you can't instruct, therefore you HAVE to go and get one, and then you will clearly be best placed to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. It's only money and even if financially it doesn't pay off immediately, nobody can repossess your licence and ratings!!! Just do it!! I never let the thought of the money being spent affect the goal (I have wangled both FI(A) and FI(H), so it can be done!) Do it now, while you really have nothing to lose and certainly you'll have no regrets later.....