...and think of this. If you're an airline recruiter, having to choose from 2 equally qualified, newly minted ATPLs, which one are you going to choose?
The one who enrolled on the integrated ATPL course at 22, did the required hours in the PA-28, complex, multi, IR etc., all paid for by the bank loan. All in the minimum hours required, exactly to the required standard.
Or the one who started with a trial lesson in a microlight at age 15, first solo at 16th birthday, got the PPL aged 17, flew a variety of types including gliders, had some aerobatic experience (including one competition event), did a large number of VFR cross-country flights including the grand tour of France with his parents in the back (!), got the CPL on merit alone (no "hour building" required since the hours were there anyway) and finally got the ATPL at age 22? And who made money to pay for a lot of this by washing aircraft and doing the other odd aviation related jobs?
Obviously recruiters look for formal qualifications, but dedication is a big factor too.