vorticey
Well I don't know if I did it for free or not, but I recovered what I spent for my FAA - CPL's w/IFR/ME ratings within 18 months of getting them.
I have never believed in luck much, I think "making your own luck" is much better. Before I went for my CPL I did a lot of asking and made sure I was going to have a decent job in a professional environment, I analized the FACTS, and went for it.
I didn't just blindly go and spend a bunch of money in something with limited possibilities, with potential of being mistreated, no job security, and to make less money than a skilled truck driver like it happens in some countries.
If it doesn't make sense in your present environment to become a helicopter pilot because because of working conditions and opportunities, then go for something else, be a journalist, demolitions expert, pimp, who knows.