Used to be flying and inspecting oil pipelines was a way to build hours, I knew a guy who was popular in one of the Cessna forums who flew corporate aviation who started out that way. I don't know if its a viable option anymore though

I recently read an interesting article about a gentlemen and his wife who fly around 700hrs each in the summer time inspecting electric power lines. They make enough in those 5-6 months to last for the rest of the year and then some. There's opportunities out there, you just have to be at the right place at the right time. There's a saying in aviation, "It's not what you know, it's who you know that makes the difference." Start networking and hanging out at airports and something is bound to pick up.

I'm going to vote up Jeff's answer because while it's not popular to say "give up your dream" (flying professionally) it's a reality many young pilots face. Training is costly, expensive, and there's a lot of uncertainty in the aviation job market. There are options such as flying internationally, many companies are eager for US trained English fluent pilots. But I think it's a personal choice that has to be decided based on a person's circumstance. Besides, flying a two-seater for fun is better than not flying at all!

Thanks Pat. I don't have any regrets and enjoy my current career, which pays well and has a 20 year retirement, so I'll be an airport bum at age 54. I know a number of professional pilots, and most of them tell me the last day they really ENJOYED flying was the last day they rented a plane. Anything, done day in and day out, loses some of it's charm and becomes a chore. I don't want flying to ever be a chore.