I got my first job when I was 15 and worked and saved through high school. When I finished school I worked a full time job in retail during the day and 4 shifts a week at night in a cinema for 2 years and saved every dollar. I missed birthdays, farewells, welcome homes - all sorts of things. Now I have a degree, all my licensing, an airline job and couldn't be happier.
You'd be surprised how much money you can gather if you work hard enough, and if flying is what you really want to do, you won't regret the sacrifice!