Would I do it all again? I would have done a few things differently. Just a couple of adjustments here and there.
Admittedly, I flew in Australia which has a different pathway. I instructed, then did bush flying, coastwatch flying, a variety of regional turboprop flying. Came to the UK, turboprop night freight flying and now, best job ever, corporate jet flying (AOC and a roster).
Would I start now? Definitely not at 55!!
I would definitely advise newbies to get some life experience so they can appreciate the "dream" versus "reality".
Not necessarily a degree per se unless you want to work for a while and gain some experience.
Personally, a decent trade/skill would be very useful and definitely something you can keep doing as a side hustle.