At a tough spot career-wise... not sure what to do

Yea I did. That's why I said get good references, and talk to the Faa about them. I find their statements hard to believe unless your a Chuck Yeager. How many of their graduates get actual flying jobs, and I wouldn't trust asking them and getting accurate answers. AG pilots I know worked into it. Dangerous work 30 feet above the ground for someone with no flight time.