The question posed by this thread reminds me of George Bernard Shaw's advice to anyone contemplating marriage - DONT!!
With the current state of the aviation business you have to ask yourself how prudent it is to attempt to embark on a career as pilot, especially if you are self funding.
I would be the last to dampen anyone's aspirations since it was always my dream to become an airline pilot but in today's world I am not so sure I would advise my children to get involved!