Before you do anything, consider what your main objective is.

Do you want to fly professionally or just as a hobby?

If you want to fly professionally, then consider the industry right now. SkyWest, whom typically had two year upgrades, are now looking at 5 years before upgrade and SkyWest is considered one of the best regional airlines in the nation. At other regional carriers it is a lot longer. Depending on your age, you may NEVER see captain. Plus, you will be making almost poverty level wages for the next several years or so.

Consider the money. You are going to spend a couple grand on training. Like in the $10K plus range, conservatively, to get all your ratings. If you have a family, that could put a strain on you. If you don't have a family, it will still put a strain on you because it will take you YEARS to pay it back.

Now here is the other side of the coin...if you start now, you may be in the perfect position when the industry turns around. We have been through cycles like this before and it is only a matter of time before it turns. Pilots retire, quit, medical out, etc. Not everyone is going to be able to weather the downturn. It is up to you to decide if you want to risk it.

So, with that said, if you want to do it professionally, there is no hurry. Do what you have to do now for the long term and keep your eyes on the industry. If you want to do it as a hobby, at least consider getting your CFI so you can train other pilots. Then if you decide to go professional, you will have the hours.

And no matter what, what ever training you are going for: Private, Commercial, etc. do it as FAST as you can! Totally devote yourself to it. Stretching it out is only going to cost you money and affect your motivation. There are ways to help with the costs like ground school, but talk to your CFI to get the best idea about how to do that!

Good luck! Hope that helps!

Jeffrey
My blog Almost the Speed of Sound