My case... Becoming a pilot has been my dream since I was a child, but when I had to decide, I joined the university and started a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. As it was taking me more time than expected (for reasons that are not relevant for this post), I started 4 years ago the ATPL and after, with the ATPL finished 2 years ago, I finished the degree. Now, I am both Engineer and Pilot and I think is the best I could do.
My advice... finish a degree first (something technical is best) and then start the ATPL.