Ethan,
Yes, I have to agree with you that you may not get as many hours doing paradropping as you would instructing. I was speaking to a flight ops director with an airline the other day and he mentioned instructing time as 'exposure' not 'experience'. I guess he was trying to say that instructors don't do much flying (physically). Questionable (his definition) for sure however your idea of doing both instructing and dropping is definately the way to go (if you can get it).
With respect to other jobs other than flying, well, mine was Web design and working in a scungy Amusement Centre with heroine addicts and losers. The things you do...the things you do...
[This message has been edited by v1rotate (edited 22 June 2001).]