My route was PPL(A), PPL(H) some 9 years later, CPL(H) in 2002/2003 (don't remember which!) and will be doing the instructor's course this year. My IT job paid up to the CPL(H) and the flying work covered costs over the two years (base/line/LPC etc.)
Whatever route you take, make sure you get in an environment where you're allowed a little bit of rope but are properly monitored as you progress, and maintain your integrity. If not, it can get very expensive and smelly very quickly if you cover something up (not me, I hasten to add) or get in a situation where your experience is overwhelmed by conditions.