Had my PPL since 2017.  I didn't do it specifically for practical purposes, mostly just because I enjoy flying.  Money and time are the biggest hurdles for most, including myself, but where there's a will, there's a way.  We have our own farm strip and hangar, so that helps a lot with the normal monthly expenses.  Having connections with the right people, or having CFI's and A&P's in your circle of friends and family is a big help too.

Most everything I've done at this point has been within about two hours of home, usually things like parts runs, taking friends to pick up a vehicle, solar eclipse chasing, or overnight camping at a grass strip in the WV hills.  Also made a flight with relief supplies to NC last week.   Probably one of my favorites is attending small fly-in gatherings at grass airstrips, always fun and interesting folks to talk to.