As YS said "no licence, no job"...many of us over the years made the leap to "sign" off and work out the year whilst doing the exams and yes there is no getting away from the fact that it is a gamble.
At the ripe old age of 39 I get that in civvy terms, I’m fairly old, and will be joining the bottom of seniority with young lads and lasses probably half my age.
That can be a big hole in some DEPs mental model, so at least you are aware of that....and it certainly something to be very aware of if your ultimate aim is to fly Left seat Longhaul at at least one UK airline.
Good Luck..