Apparently, the airline industry is experiencing a pilot shortage, at least for the commuter/regional airlines. So, if you've ever considered becoming a pilot now is a good time to do it.
Lots of flight schools can train you through commercial/instrument/multi-engine in 6 months. Lay your money down today and fly a CRJ in January.
I work at an avn production facility. Need to check the current rules, but as of six months ago, they'd pay for ground school and half the flights. Fixed and rotary. I was thinking of getting my fixed first, then trying rotary. Apparently rotary is not easy whatsoever. Biggest problem is getting enough money together to actually pay for the training flights. With the price of av gas these days, it might be a while.
That said, if I ever do get my rotary tickets punched, I might get to do a dozen hours a month as a backup test pilot. I really wouldn't want to work for a small 'commuter' outfit. The hours are long and not schedule friendly, pay isn't that great. Some regionals are ok. Smaller executive outfits aren't bad. Pay is good, but the hours are still unfriendly and you generally need more hours under the belt.