There has never been a better time to get in to a regional. Just make sure your instrument skills are up to speed. You would have to go right seat, so the ATPL is not as important as good instrument skills. Spend the money there. Read my lips, because the one thing that lets older guys down is the simulator.
Get the ATPL as soon as you can after you get employed.
From an ex-chief pilot's point of view, a 40-something family person with barely enough experience is an attractive proposition compared with some young stud who you just know you are training for Emirates or Cathay.