CaptainJohno
Why don't you apply to the armed forces to fly? I've never flown civilian professionaly, but I've been on a couple of jump seat rides and believe me, I found the whole experience, even on short haul (therefore relatively busier) flights very tedious.
On the other hand, flying in the military was exhilarating and very challenging. If you want to fly for flyings sake and not just for the money, then I seriously think you should consider the forces. You can always punch out after your initial commission and go civvy.
If however it is more the money you are after, then may I suggest you do not bother with ATC... I'm now a civvy ATCO, and hand on heart I can assure you that getting your tickets as an ATCO is as hard, if not harder than getting you wings either in civvy or military terms. (Mind you, as you indicate that you are not blessed with money, you will need a fair bit of natural aptitude to get your ATPL, unlike some people who can afford to pay for lots of extra hours).
ATC is IMHO as exhilarating and routinely more challenging than flying an airliner... certainly when compared to long haul flights and more often than not when compared to short haul.
Neither career is one that you should enter half heartedly - both need professional dedicated people, not someone who is after some perceived kudos, a uniform, and a barrow full of dosh.
You really need to sit yourself down and think about what you want to do, and why. Good luck with whatever you choose, but make sure your heart is in it - it is a hard road whichever you choose.