Ask around, and the general consensus is that a huge part of flying professionally is teaching. Even if you're not doing it as a CFI, you're doing it when you help another crew-member program a route into the FMS, master a cold-engine start, or navigate around inclement weather. Getting your CFI would not only be a good way to refine your teaching skills as a captain in the future, but also a solid way to build time, challenge and train your students, and solidify your knowledge base before you "move on" to another job. Don't see CFI'ing as a stepping stone so much as a great step towards becoming a more knowledgeable, professional pilot.

Some people get "lucky breaks" through their contacts (never stop networking) and fly night freight, traffic watch, banner tow, or the occasional corporate King Air gig to build up time, but CFI'ing is much more common.

Good luck!