Went to PNG as a 'didiman', (agricultural extension) for 3 years of hard yak on patrol and out in the villages showing them how to run coffee,cacao,tea plantings. Live in rough surrounds, nothing to spend the money on except rare few days in regional centre.
Result = big roll of cash to outlay on PPL, plus buy share in c172 & Victa,plus fly lots,leading on to quick CPL etc...then back to PNG and real flying for a few years.
I guess it doesn't really matter how you did it -the end result is that you really feel that swell of pride in having done it by yourself.
Mining and agriculture are maybe best...because you're out in the sticks, and can save better than if you are in a great social location.
Also...look about for like minded people....maybe buy an aircraft between several of you...and fly the paint off it! I think that there are more ways to do this than everyone thinks!
Anyway, good luck to everyone who's prepared to get off their arse and work!
cheers,