The simple answer to your question i guess is (by and large) YES! It takes a hell of a lot of money to become a pilot and with very few sponsorships around...the majority of us have had to either work and save/borrow/have rich parents!
You say it would take you 5 years to save...well i started flying at age 35 and have worked since i was 19 so it took me 16 years to save!! No easy way in im afraid or at least none that i know of
Doesnt matter how much ambition, drive or natural skill you have. If you dont have the £££££ then you will never get off the starting block. There are of course exceptions to every rule but im talking about the vast majority.
Better start saving!
Good luck