You wanted some ideas. How about this one?
You do not have to give up work immediately if you choose the modular route.
You could carry on working and do your PPL evenings/weekends.
Once you have your PPL you can start on the ATPL ground studies by distance learning and carry on your hours building at weekends/evenings or even with the occasional holiday trip to sunnier climes.
You could then give up work for your CPL and IR training. Or you could even do your CPL and IR training at the weekends with a couple of consolidation weeks at the end of each course.
We have had students who have done this and still achieved a first time pass in close to minimum hours.
This all may take slightly longer than doing it all full time, but it does not need to take that much longer, particularly if you are fully committed to it.
Linda