I agree with everything said here. I'm doing the same as you CD. I don't intend to start until mid next year now though because of the climate, but it's important to have the back up of the job and money at the moment.
The way I see it is that the groundschool is the ONLY part you'll be able to study whilst you work and earn a decent wage. You'll have plenty of opportunity to be out of money whilst your training for the CPL/Ir etc
With the vast improvement of technology now, self-study has become a very effective way of learning. Although, also not to forget that all schools provide brush up courses before beginning each set of exams, and you've got a tutor on the end of the phone etc, which can help with any worries you have whilst your on the course.
At the moment, the two I'm particularly interested in are Bristol and OATS, because their CBT and course materials are to a high standard.
Another important factor is to have people who are at the same stage as yourself that you can relate to. So send me an e-mail if you fancy it, and we'll have a chat
Hope this is useful to you.
[ 18 October 2001: Message edited by: FLYZONE ]