Hi Pitot Freeze,
Not long ago I
asked a similar question, so you might want to look at it.
I am not really in a position to give you advice, I am rather on the side of needing advice ;-) But compared to me, you at least have an outlook to a paid job while make flight time. On the other hand, as you can read in the replies to my post. Pursuing a PPL might be sufficient in the "flight experience" department side of the FTE job requirements. I decided to stay in simulation, pursue my PPL and keep an eye on the market.
Good luck with deciding, I know that it isnt easy, especially at your age ( I am abut the same). Not saying 30 is old (of course not
), but it requires some good thinking, as career changes become less easy. You can PM me if you want to know some more details on my decision making.
-Flutter Speed