Thanks for the replies. I'm now considering telling my employer what I'm up to - nearer the IR/CPL stage anyway. I've figured out that I won't get my PPL till mid 2007, so can probably do 1 set of ATPLs in 2007, then the other 2 in 2008. If I can save up enough leave (I can only carry over 7 days per year) then I'll start the IR in 2008 and by that stage will know how things stand with my boss.
I guess if I can't get a couple of months unpaid leave then I'll just have to resign and hopefully get another job afterwards... unlikely to walk straight into a flying job me thinks
Over the last week I have seriously been considering chucking the job, selling the flat and going integrated... but then I'd be homeless and skint and possibly unemployed.....
It would be so much quicker though - going the modular route is going to take me 4 years at the very least.