Alex
my previous employer had an excellent policy of giving current employees, whether on the ground or in the air, a crack at interview for FO positions when the recruitment window was open. As a result I've flown with loads of people who've worked as despatchers, ops, crewing, loaders, check in staff (and even a guy who worked in licencing at the CAA) as well as Cabin Crew. The beauty of this was the people were well known to us, had taken on board a good can do attitude and were likely to fit in very well. I can only recall one guy who, on making the transition, subsequently made a complete fool of himself down route on a night stop and was asked to leave.
If you can find any niche in aviation to pay the bills, gain experience and start a network of contacts, then go for it all you've got. Enjoy it for itself, not just a means to an end.
Finally if you find it doesn't suit you, then move on. The last thing you want is a reputation for whingeing. Down route the same few names crop up.
Enjoy, as they say.