Hi Ryan. I understand your situation very well as I was in a similar situation when I started to fly. It sounds like you understand the realities of studying hard and the time it takes to get all of your licenses done. Also the reality of the cost involved. That is definitely a factor in the whole equation. Without knowing any specifics about your personal situation I would recommend trying to get the training done in the 90 career fast track program which would be great for someone who already has their private license already. It's a great experience and you get the benefit of getting it all done and being ready for the next phase. However, if you think you can't swing that then it certainly is not a bad idea to consider the self paced program. Just be careful to not to lose the intensity and enthusiasm for the training when it is spread out like that. Also with the industry being a little slow with hiring in the airlines and in the corporate world, it's not a bad idea to take your time with the training now and catch the upswing in the near future. Either way you I don't think there is a wrong choice.
As for "starting late" in life to becoming a pilot: there a guys that are much older than yourself who start getting into flying and achieve their goals of flying for an airline. You can still have a 34+ year career of flying if you started now. So don't worry about that. Many airlines and corporate companies who hire pilots to fly their multi-million dollar airplanes can appreciate a more mature candidate when interviewing for positions. That could end up helping you along the way. I think that was the case with me in some areas.
Let me know if you have any other specific questions that you would like answered. Getting back to the cost aspect of becoming a pilot, are you married with any children? That is a big factor in choosing what to do with your training. A good amount of guys I communicate with are in that position wanting to make the change to aviation who have to make huge sacrifices that affect the people around them. Anyway, let me know if this info helps or if you have any other questions.
Dan
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