I was in your boat a few years ago (better environment) and know quite a few in it now. Use your $200k+ as a tool...put away as much as you can because you will most likely not be making that at least for the first 3-4yrs. If you have family, the stress of heavy cut backs makes home life tougher. Also use that income to improve your resume. You have something that a lot of 23yr old CFIs dont have, the ability to pay for flight time/ratings. If you dont have an MEI, pay to get it done. I instructed while working in my previous career and any money I made instructing went back to payinbg for flight time. I would encourage you to use some discretionary income for more Multi time, ATP/CTP or even an ATP rating. Everyday more and more CFIs are getting put in the 1500hr pool, some now have 2,000 hours. Do something that makes you stand out. I was during COVID, didnt know how long that bad hiring environment was going to last but if you wait until hiring begins, youll be too late.