Short story;
I earned my Private Pilot license in 1984 at the age of 22 ($2900. total cost). I was getting ready to begin my Instrument training when I spoke to several pilots in the industry that told me I was wasting my time. They said even if I had my ATP rating I would not find a job because so many pilots had been furloughed, "we got captains walking the street with thousands of hours" due to airline deregulation. I got discouraged so I put my pilot career on hold until 2001. Gave up my desk job went back and finished up all my ratings at 41 years old. Then 911 happened....
Don't let other people discourage you. If you have a dream get after it with everything you got.
P.s - To get flight hours I towed banners, ferried airplanes, pipeline patrol and did a multiengine time building program at AriBen Aviators. It ain't easy.