Here's my story for those interested...
Born and grew up in Limerick. Always wistfully looked skyward but was too lame to do anything about it. At 22 I emigrated to the US (Seattle) and took a job in sales. After a few months, I was ready to top myself from boredom and dislike of the job so I started to look at what I wanted to do.
Well, the answer was obvious, right?
I started flying in February of '97. Earned my FAA PPL in June and added my instrument rating in September. I passed my commercial multi and single in mid '98 and then added my CFI soon after. I've worked as a part time CFI since then. I have a well paying full time job so I've been very fortunate to not have any debts and paid for my flying as I go. As a result of having a full time job, I've built time more slowly than others, but at least I'm above the poverty line.
Right now, I'm about 1,000TT and got my first job offer from a cargo airline last week. I turned it down though - as I don't want to work on the East Coast.
In January 2000, I turned my attention to converting my licences to the IAA/JAA format. I spent a lot of time and effort learning about regs in Ireland, and decided it would be in my best interest to participate in the transition arrangements currently concluding in Ireland. Consequently, I studied my ass off for two months and managed to pass 12 of the ATPL written exams in the April 2000 sitting. During that time, I also did the neccessary flight training at Weston to ensure I could participate in the transition scheme.
In April of 2001, I sat the remaining three ATPL writtens and passed those. I also applied for and obtained my medical (not without some problems though). Where it sits now, is that I simply have to take the skill test in order to complete my frozen ATPL.
By the way, contrary to all the opinions I've seen, I've found the IAA to be nothing other than super helpful. Maybe I'm a fluke?
So what's next. Well, once the ATPL is completed, I'm going to start applying to Aer Lingus, Ryanair and anyone/everyone else who might have me. Meanwhile, I'm going to continue applying in the US and whoever offers me a job that I want first, is where I'll go.
I think learning to fly in the US is a goode way to go. Those that diss US training either have never been here or made a bad choice of flight school or failed a rating and have a sour taste. The US is very GA friendly and consequently the skies are busy! Yes, the written exams are easy - isn't that what you want when you have to take them? Most importantly, it's probably your most economic option. My advise is to make sure you understand the Irish regulations with respect to Flight Crew Licensing backwards and forwards and then figure out how much of the required training can be completed in the US and then go for it!
If you want any more details, my email is available in my profile. If you are going to be in Seattle - look me up and we'll go flying.