Ok, I can understand that. My fuel bill alone assuming I never split time with anyone for the hours I need would be close to 30k (self serve lol) not to mention at least one annual, 15 oil changes, and anything else that breaks along the way. Its definitely an investment, and that is how I have seen it since I finished my PPL, everything past that, while enjoyable has been a means to an end.

I could see how it would look in the interview as well and why it would be subject to skepticism. I can certainly explain it. I am sure there will be plenty of others in my position with no employment other than CFI at a flight school.