Thought I would put my 2 cents in, was a qualified IFA with FPC's, didn't enjoy it so went to uni to gain a marketing degree and did my PPL as a hobby and never looked back, qualified with 1:1 off to Florida 2 weeks later to hour build followed by the usual hard long slog to ME/IR Fatpl.
2 weeks after MCC sent of CV's and within a month aptitude test and interview with 2 Irish co's, and 4 months later started RHS as FO. Just very lucky, good timing and put in alot of study for my 2 interviews.
Looking back now online it's the best job and the best choice I ever made, I earn a very comfortable amount of money, do less hours then most, have all expenses paid, and have alot of respect from my peers from outside the industry for the postion I hold.
My opinion is based on the fact I literally by some fate fell into this job though so please consider the reality for most. All I can say is that if you make it I cannot see any other proffesional job in the world that can match it. Good luck!