I also have a student loan for flying. I'm a career changer and I saved up lots while I got my tickets. My wife and I plopped down a nice down payment on a house in Charlotte and she makes more than I do and she pays the mortgage and I pay the rest of the bills. It's pretty tight just paying to keep the lights on, and I didn't take out that much money.
If you can keep your current job or get one while you get your ratings I would say go for it. I busted my behind and taught 4th grade full time while getting my ratings and instructing for about 4 years to get here. Yes, it took longer than a direct track but I did it all part 61 at an FBO and it was much cheaper. Between teaching kids, instructing, and (later) doing some charter work I was able to put about 30 grand in the bank. I don't touch the savings just in case and I suffer on my salary. It was really tough working all of the jobs, but I have a much better finacial outlook compared to my buddies from Riddle or other guys from my initial class from direct track programs who are 50-100 grand in the hole.
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