Cheers for the comments Sir Korsky & Aucky; that's pepped up my optimism until the next mental breakdown on this lengthy journey!
My master plan is to go part-time in my current role once I have the FI(R) - assuming they'll let me - then pimp myself out literally EVERYWHERE, driving the extra distances to begin with (even when it's not cost-effective to do so) to - as you rightly pointed out - get my face about & build the contacts & hrs.
I've always joked I'm playing the 'long game' on this one, and where my pockets might lack the cash for an IR, I have cupboards full of persistence & patience that I hope will see me proud with the FI!
(plus a half-decent CV demonstrating I'm not a total slacker)
less people coming through the ranks means more jobs for us when the lack of supply becomes evident, and demand starts to outweigh supply. maybe...
I'm counting on this!!!!
Heli-Jock, you're a braver man than I coughing up for the IR; I hope you get that elusive break soon