If you are going to do this the self improver route you need, determination, luck, determination, finance, determination, ability, determination, flexibility and determination. I started 21 years ago with a trial lesson and have worked my way through Instructing, Charter, Corporate, IR ratings on AS355 and S76 and currently work as a Line pilot with an English Police Air Support Unit.
Try and get yourself a job with a company that not only does instructing but also Public Transport. Be flexible and accept the fact that the salary you earn initially may be low. If you can cope with that, view it as an apprenticeship and it will pay dividends in the future.
Is there a shortage of Pilots? Yes. You only have to look in the back of Flight International to see that. More than one Police Air Support Unit are looking to recruit new drivers, not to mention a company that provides those same Air Support Units with relief pilotage!

Flying, job prospects, CPLH
 

Agree with all. There is no 'short cut' to becoming a helicopter pilot. Started over 2 years ago and only coming to the final few hours now. It takes hard word, both when flying and working to pay for it. Ive sold my car, run up a nice wee loan but thankfully shouldnt be like that for long. Work hard and good luck.:ok:

I'm in exactly the same boat. Started flying FW 6 years ago, helis 18 months ago. Now got 2 or 3 weeks left until I hopefully pass the CPL(H) - I owe banks money, I owe my parents money, I still have a car (thankfully) though I think it's mostly positive thinking that's keeping it running and legal... :hmm:

The last week or so I've been emailing and talking to just about everyone I can find who might potentially be interested in hiring a pilot. With just a CPL (I can't afford either FI or an IR), it has to be one of the most humbling and demoralising experiences of my life. You try not to take rejection personally - indeed almost every response has been to the effect of 'try again in the future, and stay in touch' - but NLJ is right; determination is an absolute must!

Option A, CPL(H) only, high risk, chance of employment poor or nil
Option B, CPL(H) + FI rating, higher cost, low risk, lower returns
Option C, CPL(H) + IR, higher cost, high risk, higher returns
seems all too true!

Saying that, as soon as you start pulling collective, it all seems worthwhile!! :ok: