I'm new to the forum so if I step on anyone's toes, sorry in advance.
I'm a mid 50's cropduster turned 747 pilot who went back to cropdusting after 9 years in 744's and 742's including being a captain for a year.
Why did I go back and quit the dream job of most pilots?
1) I get about the same pay as I did as a captain. Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less, but close.
2) No more jet lag.
3) Better benefit package than the airline (I'm not kidding. I even have a pension.)
4) I only work 5 months a year.
So if you think this profession might be right up your alley, I have the following suggestions.
1) Buy a inexpensive taildragger. A Champ, a cub, whatever you can afford. You have to have tailwheel time to get started. The beauty of the Champ is that you can probably sell it for what you have in it.
2) Get a job with a spray outfit and work as a loader. Work harder than anyone else there and be reliable. Never late, never hung over. You can fly during the windy days in the Champ and build time or run for parts. Believe me, your boss will be watching.
3) Don't think you're going to get out of paying your dues. 2-3 years on the ground is average. Even then, you're not equal with someone else flying there with 10,0000 hours of Ag time. Just accept the fact that you're still a newbie.
4) Be teachable. This is one of the most important attributes you can have. BTW, in order to be teachable, your have to have a mentor. DO NOT GO OUT AND START YOUR OWN BUSINESS USING DADDY'S MONEY. This is one of THE most unforgiving professions. You will require someone to walk you through it. I can provide names of deceased pilots who didn't follow this advice.
5) Have fun! This is extremely rewarding to do for a living. Airline pilots will roll their eyes at you and think you're crazy. They're just jealous because their airliner can land itself better than they can.
Finally, the question I get asked the most is: Aren't you worried about the chemicals?
I've never been sick because of the chemicals. I respect them. I'm careful with them. I don't fear them in the least. I've known many, many people who've gotten cancer. Only 2 of them were Ag pilots. Several pilots I know who got cancer flew 747's. Last time I heard, our cancer rate was half way between a white collar worker and a blue collar worker.