Hezza: "I'm signed up to start on the CTC Wings Cadet scheme later this year"
Did you pay a deposit? Can you get it back and spend the money on fun flying around the globe? How about some bush flying, glider towing, instructing (Jerez want lots of FIs), TPs?
"but there really is nothing else" !
Really? how hard have you looked? How many pilots have you bought a beer for down the local flying club?
"cheaper route - but that leads no where fast"
Ah yes fast - like fast jet? Or fast loss of cash?
Patience dear chap! It will take you further than you think!
" but CTC are bloody good at getting you work flying jet aircraft at really quite good hourly rates"
Really? Maybe you should talk to 3 of their A320 pilots (CTC ones I know personally, there are likely more + I know of 2 other A320 unemployed pilots fm other uk schemes) who are presently unemployed and with under the golden 500h on type to go elsewhere.
Give modular a chance - it might save your bacon.