I did it, however, different country, different decade.
When's the best time? Who knows? Personally, if you can "pick" the economic cycle then use that. Age wise? Earlier the better. Simply because you'll have a longer period to recoup the unbelievable costs. If you can do it before you're 30 + get a job then that is the best time.
Note the get a job. A CPL+IR with ATPL exam credits is nigh on useless if you don't get a job and starting using it/gaining hours. It is very expensive to keep current. Even worse if you have a fresh type rating and no job. It rapidly goes "off".