Ditto. That about perfectly summed it up for me. I tried the "No CFI route," it actually helped (slightly) to pay for getting my CFI. After 2 seasons of flying jumpers, I was so ready to do something besides climbs, slow flight, and spiraling descents (in a 58 year old airplane, nonetheless), that I couldn't wait to start instructing. 2 and a half years into it, and I still enjoy the job- my only complaint is that I wish the pay were more steady year-round. I will say to try and go somewhere where you can do a good variety of training- Private, instrument, and Commercial. I find that when I go for a while without doing any of those three, I get rusty on the best way to progress a student through the course. Finally, if you can, let your students stop and grab a bite to eat on cross countries. So many instructors (especially at 141 schools) do a XC to a touch and go and head right back, missing a chance to share the fun and utility of flying with their students, as well as missing a potential chance to network in the FBO.

Short answer- as I said earlier- you don't have to do anything.

Long answer- it is likely the easiest way to gain entry to the career. Not the only, but the one that doesn't require as much luck/friends in high places.