Don't give up on the UK too soon.
I did my QXC on 23rd Dec and Skill Test on 5th Jan. I have had to take time off work to fly when the weather was good, and fortunately my employer has numerous occasions he needs me to work weekends, so I work weekends for free when needed, so I don't lose any holiday entitlement doing this. I'm taking two days holiday off in Feb, a Monday and a Tuesday, so I can go to Sywell for four days to do some tailwheel difference training. I figure that I should be able to get 6 hours flying done in four days - the weather is so changable at the moment there should be some time when it is ok, he says hopefully.
Have you got any Airmiles? BA have some excellect offers on to get you to the States very cheaply.
Best wishes with whatever you decide to do.