If I had my time again id look more into ATC.
The money is far better....
Youll work a regular roster.....
Be home each night.....
You'll be sitting in a nice warm tower rather than sitting in a 20year old a/c being shaken thru cb's in the middle of the night...
If your a tower controller youll prob. just work regular hours, if your at a center youll just earn even more $$$....
Your training will be over in a year with a job at the end of it.....
You wont be as susceptable to industry reccesions....
Now ill admit there are probably down sides but have a look at the ATC forum and see how many of them are complaining about lack of jobs, thier employer, thier pay etc.
I took the flying route and am happy I did but to be honest if I knew what REALLY was involved im not sure id have gone thru with it all that time ago.
If your determined to fly try and go at it without a loan, when have a 200hr CV in a pile of twelve a little work experience will go along way, particuarly if its in a Customer Service or Industry related job (ie check-in staff, airline op's, freight fowarding etc)