Funny but I went through sometime similar. I initially trained as an electrical engineer with Master's degree. Money was relatively good there too.
I decided to switch and applied for the Swissair selection. I was accepted and trained at the Swissair Aviation School (www.swissair-as.ch). A very good school by the way. I hope it won't disappear the way SR will...
Until last Fall, I had good hopes to join SR and to make about as much money as I used to. Well, we all know the story.
I will finally be flying for a regional airline from next month. I'll make much less money than if it were SR (about 35% less).
My piece of advice would also be to put enough money aside for the study and pass the exams in a short period of time (written and skill tests). I suppose it will save you much trouble.
Good luck and don't give up!