I did the ATPL(H) exams under the tempoary JAA system. It took me around 13 months with a three month break bewteen the two modules. I was working every day - I mean EVERY DAY - at least 4 or 5 hours study. I still had to work to keep the roof over my head. It aint easy. All I can say is make sure you think very, very, very carefully about where you ' expect ' to be in 2 years time. Ask the guys on here if you have to. Don't be afraid of them. There's advice here you will not find elsewhere !
Good luck !
TFS