Aviation has a tendency to weed out the the guys that just 'don't need to fly'. Things I've done over the years prior to working for a regional airline include flight instructing, areal survey, powerline patrol, areal photography, aircraft ferry, Alaska 135, and part 91 corporate. I would also have hauled skydivers or cargo or towed banners if needed (or any other flying job because I wanted to fly) but never did. In the process, I've lived in six different locations along the way.

If you really want to fly, you'll find a way.