316,
I did exactly that. Although it took five years from zero hours to airline job.
Briefly; Canadian PPL/CPL/MultiIR Feb-Aug 2000. Converted to UK JAA fATPL Jan 2001-Jan 2002. RHS B757 Apr 2005 for UK charter airline based LGW. In between worked as an instructor for 2 years, operations for 6 months, Aerad for 6 months, baggage handler for 3 weeks and a waiter.
I suspect that I was a little unlucky completing the UK portion of my training just after Sep 11. Hence the whole journey took a while, but looking back I wouldn't change a thing.
One thing I have learned is that everybody does it slightly differently.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I also think its important to savour every little bit.
L.