In year 11 and 12 and 1st year uni, during holidays worked in a warehouse with over one million boxes full of confidential files. Would have to fetch whatever files clients wanted that day.
That paid for PPL and night rating.
Second year uni and onwards, had a good part time job in an retail shop selling outdoor gear. That paid for CPL and IR and ATPL.
If you work part time/holiday work over 5-6 years whilst at school and uni it is possible.
I have never begrudged anyone who has had mummy or daddy pay for thier licence. That is their good fortune, but personally, I have preferred to have done it my way for two reasons...it feels sweeter to have that bit of paper, and secondly, I can walk away from flying tomorrow if I want to, and I will not disappoint anyone.