I started flying back in 1973 - did only nine hours and then had to stop due lack of funds (despite lessons being only £15 per hour).
Started again in 1983 - and dedicated wednesday afternoon to be for flying, whatever the weather. If it was crap, but safe, we'd go IFR somewhere - just to be airborne.
The only civilian skill I had at the time (that I also enjoyed) was driving. I ran a driving school for six and a half days, drove coaches (hen parties and stag nights etc.) in the evenings and drove the occassional long distance truck in between.
Also found myself washing cars for relatives and neighbours at the weekends.
Managed to generate enough funds to get through most of the training - just had to get a bank loan for the qualifying cross country. The three hours of aircraft hire cost £120 and I didn't have that much.
I know it sounds a bit "Monty Python" (You were lucky!!) - but it's how I paid for my flying.