But do you really think your career choice was a rational one, regarding time, investment and ROI. You could have done a three or four year degree in business, IT , some allied health type profession and been earning good money , in stable secure employment six or seven years earlier. Or perhaps done some kind of technician/trade in the ADF, and been on good brass(for a trainee) from day one.
Persistence and tenacity can be admirable qualities but it took you nine years to be earning a relatively modest wage as a regional FO, and it doesn't sound like you have any other qualifications or skills.