Snapper writes:

At 16 I worked full time for ~$100/week, then spend $60/hr on my precious
one lesson a week ($1 per minute dual!). By 17 I was earning $160/wk and
spending $120/wk flying. Went without a car (or girlfriend) till I had my
PPL.

Sounds like quite a bit of sacrifice.

Btw, that was in the early 80's here in Australia. No car or girlfriend is
pretty extreme I guess ......

For most teenagers, yes.