If you go out to the States, I recommend you to do either JAA groundschool first or do the integrated course at HAI. So when you return to the UK you are licenced at ready for work. It's not easy, but when you're all by yourself it's easier. I did it with wife and three children.
It's better to regret something you've done, than regret something you didn't do.
Remember though all the quoted prices times 2 will get you there, nothing comes cheap in aviation.