Happy Wander, that seems like a good plan and with the SSTR will no doubt help in the search for that all ellusive first job. However it's important not to loose sight of the fact that aviation is global and you can search for opportunities outside of the UK, who knows you might like it 'over there'
. The LCCs are the ones who seem to be subject to alot of abuse and blame with regards to the modern day ills of the industry. However by inducing a degree of dynamicism they're also the ones who've given some of the mature wannabes a 'chance' and sometimes in life that's all that's required. Don't think you're alone I know of quite a few people in their 30s/40s who are "going for it" so you're not exclsuive in that sense. However it's not their age that raises eye brows but the distinction of those with a plan and those who are just drifting through and hoping to catch anything that might come their way. Realistically you should have plan and whilst aiming for it if something should come your way fine take it but don't aim for luck, that's just not effective. After all those who state that they're happy doing some glider towing for the rest of their lives, career or just for fun are delluding themselves and sound more like children who promise "this is the very last time they'll ask for it", yeah right.
I made a plan like everyone else before initiating training but I was also conscious of the fact that I shouldn't get drawn into the specifics. The reasons for this are quite simple the market changes and the goal posts shift so you might be aiming for something that no longer exists at the end of your training or is no longer viable. (A bit like doing DIY put the structure together by slotting everything into place and then insert the screws, once it's all put together you can then tighten the screws at the end of the job
) - sorry couldn't think of a better example.
BEST of luck !