Cheers for that Redsnail,
I wouldn't expect to get employed by an airline without an IR but I believe that I could get employed as a FI without one?
Financially the ideal plan would be CPL followed by Instructing for a year and then the IR and the MCC.
The reason I say this is that my employer will offer me a career break for a year starting 01 May 08. At the start of the career break my budget is £20k (ATPL's will already be in the bag). This £20k could pay for the CPL and the IR but not much else! However, the £20k would pay for the CPL and the FI, the plan would then be to work as a FI whilst on the career break and then return to work with some valuable experience under the belt. At this point May 09 (I will be 33 years old turning 34 in the August) I could then put my notice in and then leave some 3 months later. I then receive a £14k gratuity. At this point I could pay for the IR and the MCC and hit the job trail having just turned 34. If all else fails then back to instructing.
Alternatively I can put my notice in and leave May 08 with a budget of £34k. This would pay for CPL/IR MCC and FI rating. I loose the job security and have no escape plan other then Instructing.
I would also consider Integrated but seems a bit silly as I have a PPL and 191 hours.
I know I want to fly (again - used to fly in Navy) for a living and I know that my future is in aviation so I do not need career counselling BUT my god do I need some counselling about what the best route is to get in that left hand seat!
Phew...end of transmission....I think...
MFWF