I am currently a dispatcher and training to be a Pilot. The pay isn't always what it should be but I have found it to be valuable in many other ways. I applied for the job because when I started flying I met quite a few others just getting their first flying jobs who had been dispatchers beforehand. My employers had no problems with me wanting to fly. I didn't keep it a secret. Earning the money to pay for training means I am not going to shoot of straight away and they have got a good few years of someone working for them who is keen to get involved, learn new things and who actually enjoys the job which can't be said for everyone working in aviation. You'll also find that in this industry it's very much who you know. Working in operations means you are very well placed to get to know the sort of people who could help you. It also means you will gain experience in things like flight planning, weight and balance and the way the industry is organised which will give you a head start on your atpls and help you settle into an airline pilot job easier.