Hours.
If you NEED c1500 hours to thaw your licences anyway, why don't you GET 1500 hours first? You can do it self-funded, part time, actually learning about aviation and flying.
All the while, you have an eye on the market. You don't work for peanuts- you have a proper job.
Nobody talks about enjoying flying any more, only getting a job. It surprises me.
CG