I have been researching and looking around since I was 17 probably, and was always postponing going in for the ATPL all this time, so much so I got a degree since then!
It brings us back in 2005... Which was not such a bad time to get a CPL I believe.
Try Ultra lights and become an ultra light instructor, that's the best flying for so little investment. Since you have a degree, keep your job during the week, and enjoy your weekends doing some real flying.