Hearing about the worst of things makes you stop and rethink every aspect of your inpending decision. It gave me direction in what were the important factors to address.
40k should cover the modular route but visit all the flying schools in your area and bear in mind the number of aircraft and full time instructors will affect your training time / options - which, best case will be about 2 years from PPL to ATPL.
Jobs - I understand how you might have doubts but your age is ok!However to get a serious chance at a FO seat you've got to have quite a few hours built up after your ATPL so the usual idea is to train as an FI and get 500-750 hours behind you. You stand an even better chance if you look for any commercial work rather than just airline and are prepared to pay for a TR yourself.
There are some great good news stories on here. People landing good jobs, knowing no one and just qualified. Just being on the phone at the right moment and being lucky does happen.
Good luck
